Inaugural amateur chess championship lays foundation for future masters

MORE than 62 players aged eight to adulthood made history in Kingston as Jamaica staged its inaugural Amateur Chess Championship — a bold initiative to build the country’s next generation of chess masters at home. Organised by JamCan Chess and sponsored by Visahub Jamaica and Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited, the FIDE-rated classical tournament was held over three Sundays — September 27, October 4 and 11 — with players travelling from Kingston, St Andrew and other major parishes to compete. Contested across three sections — U2000, U1700 and U1500 — the championship was designed to deliver international-standard experience at approximately one per cent of the cost of travelling overseas for a comparable event, while developing the concentration, stamina and strategic skills required for world competition.

Brian Thompson was the winner of the U2000 category with Rushawn Robinson placing second and Brandon Labban placing third. In the U1700 category, Rajvir Shergil was the winner, Khalel Dayy was second and Jayden Hylton was third, while Ariana-Marie was the top U1600. Johnathan Bailey was the winner in the U1500, Ricardo Palmer was second, and Zaire Quest was third, while Aaliyah Wilks was the top non-rated player.

For many, it was a first taste of competitive over-the-board chess. For others, it was a chance to improve their official FIDE ratings. From left) FIDE Arbiter Natoya Anderson, International Master Jomo Pitterson, and Jamaica Chess Federation Vice-President Mark Holness converse during the final day of the inaugural Amateur Chess Championship in Kingston.

The tournament was officiated by Natoya Anderson, Jamaica’s only resident international-level chess arbiter, and featured a dedicated fair-play team implementing anti-cheating measures in keeping with FIDE standards — a first for a local amateur event of this scale. In a significant boost for the women’s game, females accounted for approximately one-third of the field, with four female players receiving awards — highlighting the potential to strengthen female participation and develop future champions. Anderson is now appealing to corporate Jamaica to support JamCan Chess’s ambitious development plan to produce six to eight chess masters within the next 10 months, with a strong focus on providing girls and women with opportunities to advance to championship and master …