By Delvon Mc Ewan
Several of the Caribbean’s top chess players along with participants from Guyana will gather here as the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) in collaboration with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) bring the Umada Cup to the Land of Many Waters from next Thursday.
Set to be an exhilarating tournament where over 60 players from more than 10 nations will compete for top honours, the organisers promise five days of quality chess at the launching of the tournament yesterday at the Sleep Inn International hotel.
Speaking at the launch Irshad Mohamad the President of GCF, said the tournament was finance by FIDE as part of its development program. “FIDE has pumped approximately US$30,000 into the tournament of which US$16,000 will go towards prizes while the remainder will facilitate the costs of travelling and accommodation for the players,” said Mohamad.
He disclosed that will be a nine round Swiss System tournament which will consist of two rounds per day followed by the closing ceremony and presentation on the final day.
The honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in his address congratulated the GCF for such a significant achievement to host the Umada Cup. “I know for a period the GCF has been industrious towards rejuvenating chess in Guyana and this is a milestone for all of Guyana; the hosting of a prestige tournament here,” said the honourable minister.
The minister is confident that Guyana will host a successful tournament and made promises on the government’s behalf to ensure that happens. “I have every confidence in the federation’s ability to host and with so many players from various countries coming in, it will be clear to see where chess is going in Guyana….from the government point of view we are very excited so you can count on us for any roles that you would like us to play.”
In addition, Dr. Anthony said, he is happy that Guyana and the players are getting international recognition so that the trail that they have laid the younger players will be encouraged to emulate.
It will be the fourth occasion our players will be involved in the challenge and they have managed to finish seventh twice, which is the best placing to date.
However, since the tournament is being held here, Guyana can have more entries more than usual, which makes our chances of winning better.
The competition will be held in two sections: An open section and a challenger section (ELO-rating 2100 or unrated or above 2100).
The prizes for the tournament includes; Open section, first place $2500, second place $1500, third $1000, fourth $800, fifth $600 and sixth, seventh and eighth $200 each.
In the challengers group; first place $1500, second $1000, third $750, fourth $500 and fifth $300.
There are also monetary prizes for first to third finishes in woman, under 1900 ELO and under 17 ELO (or unrated). Those prizes ranges from $250 to $750. While the best youth player under 12, 14 and 16 will receive $150 each. All prices are in US Dollars.
The tournament is open to players from the following federations; Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the US Virgin Islands.
The playing venue is the Sleepin International Hotel- Conference Centre, Brickdam Georgetown. Registration and accreditation will also take place there. Registration deadline is November 27 at 9 am.
