In a display of strategic prowess and youthful talent, three of Guyana’s rising chess stars are currently competing at the prestigious SITTU Barbados Open Chess Championship 2025. The tournament, which began on February 20 and concludes today, February 25, has drawn top players from across the Caribbean to the Grand Salle in the Tom Adams Financial Centre, Bridgetown.
Leading the Guyanese contingent is National Junior Chess Champion Ricardo Narine, a two-time title holder with an impressive ELO rating of 1714. Narine is testing his mettle in the highly competitive Group B category, facing off against players with FIDE ratings between 1700 and 2099. His consistent performances in rapid chess competitions have made him a formidable contender, with the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) expressing confidence in his ability to earn valuable rating points.
Joining Narine in Group B is Under-16 National Chess Champion and Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber. With an ELO rating of 1779, Pitamber brings his own set of accolades to the board, having already tasted international competition.
The youngest member of the trio, Alex Ubaldo-Singh, is making his international debut in Group C (1400-1699). With an ELO rating of 1462, Ubaldo-Singh, who celebrated his 13th birthday during the tournament, exemplifies the notion that age is no barrier to chess excellence.
This tournament offers more than just prestige; a substantial prize pool of US$5,000 for each category adds to the stakes. For these young Guyanese players, the SITTU Barbados Open represents a crucial opportunity to gain international experience, improve their rankings, and measure themselves against some of the region’s best chess minds.
The GCF’s decision to send these talented juniors to Barbados aligns with its broader strategy to develop chess in Guyana. By exposing young players to high-level competition, the federation aims to nurture a new generation of chess masters who can represent Guyana on the global stage.
As the tournament concludes today, the chess community in Guyana eagerly awaits news of their young stars’ performances. Regardless of the final standings, the experience gained at this event will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of chess in Guyana, potentially inspiring more young players to take up the game.
The participation of Narine, Pitamber, and Ubaldo-Singh in the SITTU Barbados Open 2025 marks another significant step in Guyana’s chess journey, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting the intellectual sport across all age groups.
