Allicock cops first place in Blitz New Year Challenge

FIDE Master Rawle Allicock claimed first place in the Blitz New Year Challenge Chess Competition, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation at the Pegasus Chess Club last Sunday. Dominating the seven-round event with an unbeaten 6.5 points, Allicock once again proved himself a formidable force.
Fresh from his stint with the British Chess Federation, the Guyanese-born FIDE Master is now raising the bar for local competition. Keeping pace at the top, Kyle Couchman secured second place on a tie-break, also with 6.5 points, giving Allicock a genuine run for his money. The two top seeds remained neck and neck throughout the event, eventually splitting the point in their fifth-round head-to-head match, played under the three-minute plus two-second blitz increment.
Returning veteran Roberto Neto finished the tournament with six points. Despite a strong showing, he fell short against the two top seeds, losing to Allicock and Couchman in the fourth and sixth rounds. The best female prize went to WCM Jessica Callender, who scored four points. The best junior prize was awarded to Aiden Tinnie, the newly crowned U-12 Open Chess Champion, who also ended with four points.
To ring in the New Year, 24 players gathered at the prestigious chess club for an afternoon of fast-paced action. The diverse field, which included six female players, showcased the perfect blend of competitive fire and friendly sportsmanship that blitz chess is known for. Prize winners shared a total prize fund of $40,000.
Under the expert supervision of FM Anthony Drayton, the event ran smoothly, with Drayton overseeing the rounds to ensure the highest standards of FIDE-sanctioned play were maintained. Located at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, the Pegasus Chess Club is open from 11 am to 6 pm every Sunday, serving as a hub for members to sharpen their skills and master the game of chess. (GCF)