Pitamber crowned national open chess champion; Joshi retains women’s title

Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber is the 2026 National Chess Champion, while Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi has successfully retained her title as Women’s Chess Champion for 2026.

The ninth and final round was played last Saturday by 20 qualifying participants. After nine rounds of gruelling, high-stakes competition, CM Pitamber emerged as the definitive winner of the JUMBO JET Auto Sales-sponsored 2026 National Open Chess Championship. Meanwhile, WCM Aditi Joshi showcased remarkable poise, successfully defending her title to remain the National Women’s Champion in the Diamond Fire Insurance-sponsored 2026 National Women’s Championship.

The nine-round round-robin tournament began on Saturday, 14 March, at the David Rose Special School and concluded on 28 March at the National Racquet Centre.

In the Open Category, fifteen-year-old Pitamber dominated the field, powering through his opponents to secure a flawless, unbeaten finish with an impressive 7.5 points, while three hard-fought draws denied him a perfect score. His performance was nothing short of commanding.

His most critical tests came in the fourth, sixth and eighth rounds, where he held his ground, defeating FM Anthony Drayton and drawing with finalist Roxel Alexander and heavyweights CM Taffin Khan and Keron Sandiford. Currently the U16 Open Champion, Pitamber has cemented his status as one of Guyana’s elite chess players, consistently demonstrating resilience and tactical prowess across both local and international stages.

Securing second place with a hard-earned seven points is the reigning Junior Champion, Kyle Couchman. No stranger to the high-stakes environment of elite championships, Couchman dismantled his competition with a series of clinical wins and strategic draws.

His campaign was highlighted by crucial draws against Keron Sandiford and FM Anthony Drayton, alongside a major victory over CM Taffin Khan. As one of Guyana’s most prominent young chess talents, Couchman continues on a steady upward trajectory within the chess community.

FM Drayton secured third place overall, finishing with seven points after tie-break rules determined the final standings. His run was nearly flawless, marred only by a lone defeat to CM Pitamber and two hard-earned draws.

His depth of experience provided the necessary edge to secure a top-three finish. As one of the most seasoned veterans in the Guyanese chess community, Drayton remains an inspiration to younger players, setting a high standard for tactical gameplay and competitive consistency.

Taking fourth place with 6.5 points is CM Khan. Despite a challenging run, his deep tactical knowledge and veteran presence at the board gave him a distinct edge over the field. While he was unable to defend his title this year, he made strong inroads during the opening weekend with a string of solid victories.

Despite setbacks against Couchman and hard-fought draws with FM Drayton, CM Pitamber and Sandiford, Khan’s performance reinforced his reputation as an elite player. Having represented Guyana in numerous arenas, he remains a mainstay of excellence and a powerhouse in the national chess community.

Keron Sandiford claimed fifth place with a total of 5.5 points after a demanding series of games. While the tournament proved challenging, his refined play allowed him to navigate the field effectively.

Although he conceded games to Jaden Taylor and FM Drayton and drew with three opponents, his resilience in securing key victories ensured a strong top-tier finish. A mainstay of the local chess scene, Sandiford frequently draws on his experience representing Guyana on the international stage, bringing strategic depth to every match.

Rounding out the Open Category standings were Roxel Alexander and Jaden Taylor, who both finished with 3.5 points. They were followed by CM Ronuel Greenidge with three points and Alexander Zhang with 1.5 points.

Despite a spirited effort in his debut at the National Championship, Leslie Campbell remained at the bottom of the standings, unable to secure points on this occasion.

In the Women’s Championship, WCM Aditi Joshi successfully retained her title with a commanding unbeaten performance, finishing with 7.5 points and drawing matches with WCM Jessica Callender, WCM Sasha Shariff and Kataleya Sam. While a perfect score narrowly eluded her following three strategic draws in the final rounds, her dominance remained clear.

Leveraging a wealth of experience from both local and international stages, Joshi outmanoeuvred the field with precision and poise. Her standing as a top-rated national female player highlights her dedication to the sport. She remains a role model for younger players, demonstrating that discipline and perseverance are key to championship success. (Guyana Chess Federation)