In a dominant display of chess prowess, FIDE Master Anthony Drayton has emerged as the champion of the 2025 National Rapid Chess Championship. The tournament, held at the Exhibition Centre of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, featured a competitive field of nearly 40 players from various age groups.

Drayton, Guyana’s only FIDE Master, demonstrated his skill by playing unbeaten throughout the nine-round Swiss format competition. He secured the top spot with an impressive 8.5 points, his only draw coming against National Junior Champion Ricardo Narine.

Narine, a 19-year-old chess prodigy, finished in second place with seven points. Despite losing to Aravinda Singh in the second round, Narine rebounded with a series of victories and draws, including two against Drayton and Sachin Pitamber.

Candidate Master Taffin Khan took third place with 6.5 points, following draws with Keron Sandiford and losses to Saeed Ali and Drayton. Ali also secured 6.5 points, finishing fourth after losses to Drayton and Pitamber.

The tournament was sponsored by Banks DIH I-CEE Soft Drinks, with cash prizes totaling G$185,000 awarded to the top five finishers. The Guyana Chess Federation expressed gratitude to the sponsors and the Pegasus Hotel for their support.

Drayton’s victory marks a significant achievement in Guyanese chess, highlighting his continued dominance in the sport. His performance sets the stage for future competitions, including the upcoming National Women’s Chess Championship, which will commence on March 22.