Team Guyana has experienced mixed fortunes at the FIDE World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad, but Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber’s standout performance has put him in contention for an individual prize with three rounds remaining.
The nine-round tournament, which features 85 teams from 40 countries, has tested the young Guyanese squad.
The team’s campaign began with a tough encounter against the hosts, Colombia Team One.
Despite a fighting effort, including a strong showing from Kyle Couchman and a dominating position for Pitamber, Guyana could not secure a victory. Pitamber, with a pawn advantage, was ultimately forced into a draw, while the team fell to a defeat.
Guyana rebounded in Rounds Two and Three, securing a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory over Colombia Team Sixteen and a convincing 3-1 win against Guatemala. Alexander Zhang and Aditi Joshi secured crucial wins in the Guatemala clash.
Pitamber’s strong form continued into Round Four against Venezuela Team One, where he easily dispatched his 1900-rated opponent.
However, despite his brilliance, the team went down 3-1.
The young star delivered a moment of tactical genius in Round Five against Colombia Team Seven, executing a brilliant queen sacrifice to secure a stylish victory.
The team ultimately lost the match 2.5-1.5.
In Round Six, Guyana bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Colombia Team Eleven, with wins from Couchman, Zhang, and Joshi.
Pitamber is now a contender for the Board Two prize, a testament to his impressive run of form.
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