Joshua Medina of Holy Cross College and Aradhana Ramnarine-Singh of Naparima Girls High School took top honours in the National Secondary School Individual Rapid Chess Championship hosted by the T&T Chess Association (TTCA) at Hillview College, Tunapuna on November 5.
Twenty-four (24) schools were represented with some 120 players participating and after seven rounds of intense battle, Medina prevailed in the Absolute category playing undefeated with a score of 6.5 points. He finished ahead of Zachary Murray of Presentation College Chaguanas, who was second on six points and third-place finisher Keagan Ragoobar of Naparima College, also on six points (third on tiebreak).
Ramnarine-Singh was the top individual winner in the Female Sub-Category with 5.5 points, beating Jayden Manjoo of Parvati Girls Hindu College into second with a total of four points and Sofia Mohan of Couva East Secondary into third also with a score of four points.
Presentation College Chaguanas was adjudged the National Secondary School chess champion after the top four participants' total points from each school were calculated. Top performances came from Zachary Murray, Kael Samuel Bisnath, Kiran Mohammed and Avidesh Sampath giving the school a total of 22.5 points.
In second place was host school, Hillview College. This school trailed the champions by 1/2 point, with a total score of 22. Contributing to that score were Juninho La Fleur, Syon Mano, Rishi Balroop and Yuri Mahabir.
In third place was Naparima College with a score of 21 points. Top players from this school included Keagan Ragoobar, Luke Balliram, Taydan Balliram and Rayshard Hosein.
Filling the fourth to 10th place were Fatima College, Naparima Girls High School, Trinity College East, St Mary’s College, Ire High School, Couva East Secondary and St Joseph’s Convent Port-of-Spain, respectively.
TTCA president Sonja Johnson was thrilled by the response to the championship, saying: “I am so heartened by the response for this event, 120-plus players and 24 schools. This shows that chess continues to be attractive to young persons and particularly the rapid format. Though we had many of the top players I am encouraged by some of the new talent that is emerging.”
The TTCA, via a release, expressed its gratitude to players, coaches and parents for their overwhelming support, allowing the sport of chess to continue thriving through both over-the-board and online events. The association also acknowledged Raymond Aaron for his assistance in the distribution of awards.
Chief arbiter and tournament organiser, Sadiqah Razark, TTCA third vice president (VP), Deputy Chief, Roderick Noel and assistant arbiters: Quinn Cabralis, Zaakir Razark, Quintin Cabralis, Sandy Razark (TTCA secretary), Daryl Davis (TTCA second VP) and Frank Sears (TTCA first VP) were also recognised for their contributions to the event.
The TTCA also gave special thanks to the principal of Hillview College Derek Bissessar for hosting the association to be able to conduct its inaugural event as well as to the vice principal, Sharon Ramdeen, for giving a welcome address and presenting at the closing ceremony.