Aiden Tinnie is the new U-12 Open Rapid Chess Champion, while Divya Persaud is the newly crowned U-12 Girls Rapid Chess Champion for 2026.
The 11-year-olds delivered splendid performances in the MOO! Milk-sponsored U-12 Open Chess Championship on January 10 at the ACADO Building on the East Bank of Demerara.
Tinnie scored a perfect seven points in the Open Category, while Persaud ended with 6.5 points in the Girls’ Category in the seven-round Swiss competition. The competition had a turnout of 42 children- 28 boys and 14 girls.
Tinnie, a promising young player, has been marking his progress steadily up the ranks. His path to the U-12 Open title was marked by critical victories over fellow talented contenders Vir Narine in the fifth round and Javier Davenand in the sixth.
Ten-year-old up-and-coming talent Narine secured a commendable second place with six points. Fresh off a successful appearance at the CAC games in Puerto Rico, Narine’s only loss of the day was to the tournament champion in the fifth round.
Arian Tinnie, another promising and determined young player, rounded out the top three with five points after losing to his brother, Aiden, and Narine.
Securing the fourth and fifth place, respectively, were Rafael Cappell and Javier Davenand, who both finished on five points.
In the Girls’ U-12 competition, Persaud displayed her skill over the board, winning all her games and drawing her last game with Maya Alli.
Eleven-year-old Amaya Sharma earned the second-place trophy with six points.
Sharma’s strategic patience was on full display, with her only loss coming against the tournament champion in the third round.
Third place was claimed by Saura Ruplall, one of the most experienced competitors in the field, who finished with five points.
The competition highlighted the emerging talent in the younger age brackets with trophies and medals. In the U-10 Open Category, Mark Defreitas claimed the first-place prize, followed by Avery Munroe in second and Pranav Suman in third.
In the U-10 Girls Category, Malia Thompson took first place, with Amiyah Ally and Isabella Shariff taking second and third place, respectively.
Additionally, the U-8 Boys Category saw Pranav Suman securing first place, while Roshan Ali finished second, and Tariq John rounded out the top three.
All of the young players were forced to think and execute moves in a limited time during seven rounds of the one-day championship.
Prizes and certificates of participation were presented to the players during a simple prize-giving ceremony by Ms. Aaliyah Kendall, Brand Manager of the MOO! Brand at the conclusion of the tournament. The young participants were also treated to goodies from the company.
“Thanks to the Chief Arbiter, John Lee, and the assistant arbiters Kim Shing Chong, Ethan Lee, Italy Ton-Chung, Kishan Puran, and Oluwadare Oyeyipo, who ensured that every move was played in strict accordance with international rules and regulations through their diligent supervision and hard work,” the Guyana Chess Federation said in a press release.
“The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) expresses its sincere gratitude to ACADO Guyana and their MOO! Milk brand for their steadfast sponsorship. Their unwavering support for youth chess and the generous provision of the tournament venue have been instrumental in the success of this event.”
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