Orchard junior chess at ‘Pres’ S/Fernando

The tournament, sponsored by Orchard is the first in a series of three events that would be held throughout the country to determine the best junior players in three age groups — Under ten, Under 14 and Under 20.

The second tournament will be held in July in Port-of-Spain and the final in December at Nestle’s Sports club in Valsayn.

Points from each tournament will be accumulated and used to determine the overall Grand Prix winners at the end of the final tournament in December.

A cash prize fund of $3,000 is at stake, along with special prizes for Best Female player in each section and Best Male and Female players under the ages of 12 and eight.

The first three places in each section will receive the following cash prizes: Under-20— 1 $800; 2 $400; 3 $200; Under-14— 1 $500; 2 300; 3 $200; Under-10— 1 $300; 2 $200; 3 $100.

Prizes will also be awarded to winners of each leg of the tournament and attractive giveaways will be given to each participant.

Edison Raphael, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation said that top Juniors Chantal Fitzpatrick, the national women’s and Under-16 Junior Champion; Keron Cabralis, National Under-12 Champion and Christopher Raphael, National Under-14 champion will be all participating.

As well, rising stars Sterling Ramroach and Kerry Singh of Presentation College, San Fernando and Ananya Annamunthodo of St Joseph Convent San Fernando are also expected to show up.

He said the Foundation is thrilled to have secured the interest of Nestle Trinidad and Tobago as official sponsor of the tournament via its Orchard brand.

“Orchard’s contribution supports the Chess Foundation’s efforts in promoting and encouraging young people throughout the country to adopt the sport of Chess as a means of developing their critical thinking skills,” said Raphael.

Interested players can register for the tournament today, on arrival at Presentation College or call Raphael at telephone number 678-0132 for further details.