Jamaicans shine at inaugural Cayman Chess Classic

A JAMAICAN delegation made a significant impact at the inaugural Cayman Chess Classic International Tournament, held at John Gray High School in Grand Cayman over the Emancipation holiday weekend from May 4-6.

The Jamaicans were the only foreign country to compete in all four sections of the tournament.

In the Open section, Akeem Brown delivered a commendable performance, securing a 50 per cent finish in the event.

In the U1800 section, Jamaica had four representatives — Ronak Shergil, Khaleel Bartlett, Donavoy Williams, and Shaun Gopaul.

However, it was 12-year-old Shergil from Campion College who stole the show, tying for first place and claiming the under-14 section title. His schoolmate Khaleel Bartlett impressed by finishing second in the under-12 category and third in the U1600-rated section.

Donhai Thompson and Treyvaughn Allison from Lennon High School also made their mark on the podium, finishing third and 10th, respectively.

The Under 1800 Female section, merged with the absolute, presented tough challenges for female players.

Despite this, Zaina O’Connor secured fourth place overall and second in the under-16 section, while Victoria Salazar claimed fifth.

In the Beginner’s section, eight Jamaican players competed for top honours, with Rajvir Shergil emerging as the standout performer, sweeping the event with a perfect score and also clinching the under-10 award. Thompson finished tied for third place, and Allison secured 10th.

The coach of the team, international master Jomo Pitterson, was impressed with the team’s performance and said that it was a good beginning to the junior chess season, as Jamaica will be looking to win titles in the Pan American Championship and CAC tournaments.

Organised by the Cayman Islands Chess Federation, the event attracted more than 100 registered players from various countries, including Norway, Serbia, UK, the Bahamas, the United States, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.