On the midpoint of the CARICOM Traditional Chess Group Event, defending champions Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) have planted their flag firmly atop the leaderboard, maneuvering to a commanding 18‑level whole and eyeing a repeat crown.
In a marquee spherical‑5 conflict, T&T edged second‑positioned Jamaica, 2½–1½, widening a spot that might show decisive when the 9‑spherical contest concludes. Earlier that day, the Trinidadians confirmed no mercy, whitewashing Guyana B 4‑0 and saying their intent with each exact transfer.
Jamaica, Suriname preserve stress alive
Although crushed by the entrance‑runners, Jamaica stay very a lot within the hunt on 16½ factors. Sizzling on their heels, Suriname lurk simply half some extent again at 16, able to pounce on any slip. Barbados, fourth with 12 factors, misplaced floor after a shock 2‑2 draw towards Guyana A in spherical 4 however rebounded with a bruising 3½–½ rout of Dominica to remain inside placing distance.
Whereas nationwide groups duel for silverware, the Below‑16 particular person division is shaping right into a thriller. Mileke Sinckler (Barbados) and Ravish Ramesar (Suriname) are locked collectively on 17½ factors, trailed by Guyanese hopeful Nicholas Zhang (16½). A trio of Guyanese skills—Kataleya Sam, Jeremy Cole, and Arysh Raghunauth—be a part of Barbadian Noah Clarke on 15½, all nonetheless able to making a late surge.
The highway to the ultimate gambit
4 rounds stay, however momentum favors the scarlet‑and‑black jackets of T&T. Jamaica and Suriname should engineer close to‑flawless finishes—and maybe a stumble from the leaders—if they’re to wrest the trophy away. With youthful brilliance lighting up the junior boards and nationwide pleasure at stake, each pawn advance and queen sacrifice in Georgetown now carries championship weight.
