Women’s Chess Champion Jessica Callender claimed the top prize at the Queenside Women’s One Day Rapid Chess Tournament, held on October 27, 2024, at the David Rose Special School in Georgetown. The tournament, organized by the Guyana Women in Chess Community (GWICC) and sponsored by Rouge Salon and Spa, showcased the growing talent and enthusiasm among female chess players in Guyana.
In an intense nine-round competition with a 15-minute time control per player and a 5-second increment after each move, Callender’s disciplined strategy led her to an undefeated performance. Callender recently represented Guyana at the Chess Olympiad and returned to the local scene determined, displaying meticulous planning and a keen eye for seizing opportunities, which ultimately secured her the championship.
Trailing closely in second place was Treskole Archibald, a Chess Olympiad participant, who showcased her skill and competitive spirit. With seven points, Archibald’s logical and strategic gameplay established her as a formidable force, though her only losses were to Callender and Emma John. Eleven-year-old Rebha Lachman finished in third place with six points, solidifying her position as an emerging talent in the chess community. Lachman, new to the competitive scene, had recently placed second in the Women’s Rapid Tournament for Beginners.
Other top players included Kataleya Sam, the current Under-12 Girls Chess Champion, who claimed fourth place, and Chelsea Harrison, an eleven-year-old player steadily rising in the female chess ranks, who finished fifth. Sixth place went to Nellisha Johnson, whose experience over the board gave her an edge in tactical and defensive play. Best Newcomer awardee Nayana Balram impressed in her tournament debut, finishing with five points after only six months of playing chess.
The tournament featured 22 players, including three adult women, and brought together both seasoned competitors and newcomers, fostering a vibrant environment of sportsmanship and competition. The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) expressed its appreciation for Rouge Salon and Spa’s sponsorship, which helped make the event possible, as well as to the David Rose Special School for providing the venue.
“The Queenside Women’s Chess Rapid Tournament has once again highlighted the incredible depth of talent among our female chess players,” stated the GCF. “This event continues to strengthen the foundation of competitive chess in Guyana, providing opportunities for players of all ages to develop their skills and achieve excellence. Tournaments like these are vital in expanding interest in the game and empowering more women to excel.”
As chess gains popularity in Guyana, tournaments like the Queenside Women’s Rapid are essential for fostering new talent and creating opportunities for young players to thrive. The event highlighted both emerging stars and established champions, underscoring the vibrant future of chess in Guyana as the sport continues to grow across all levels of competition.
