Renegades crowned champions

In an exhilarating climax to the 2025 Republic Bank 3×3 Tournament, the Renegades emerged victorious, capturing the championship title in a thrilling final against the Linden Shooters at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday evening.
The Renegades tipped off their campaign with a solid win over the Mambas in the quarterfinals, demonstrating their skill and teamwork. Their next challenge was against the Kwakwani Unstoppables, where the Renegades showcased their resilience and intensity, securing a place in the finals with a decisive victory.
Facing the Linden Shooters in the championship match, both teams battled fiercely in the high intensity game with the players executing impressive shot making ability from the arc and at the rim.
As the game progressed, the Renegades pulled ahead and maintained their lead with strong defense and swift counterattacks.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Renegades celebrated their hard-fought victory, lifting the championship trophy high above their heads.
The Renegades became the first team to win the inaugural 3 on 3 basketball tournament the Edge Sports Series.

Fernandez and Sam are the National U12 Chess champions 2025

January 23, 2025 – In an electrifying culmination of the National U12 Chess Championship held in Georgetown, Guyana, Fernandez Singh and Sam Persaud have emerged as the 2025 champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories, respectively. The championship, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation, brought together the nation’s most promising young talents for a weekend of intense competition and strategic brilliance.

U-12 Open WInner Abel Fernandez
U-12 Open WInner Abel Fernandez

A Battle of Minds

Over 50 participants from across the country gathered at the National Resource Centre to vie for the coveted titles. The tournament, which followed the Swiss system format, consisted of seven rounds of intense play. Each match tested the participants’ analytical skills, resilience, and ability to think several moves ahead.

Fernandez Singh displayed exceptional prowess throughout the tournament, finishing undefeated with an impressive 6.5 out of 7 points. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp tactical play, Fernandez sealed his victory with a stunning win against his closest rival in the final round. “This win means a lot to me. I’ve been training hard with my coach and studying games from international tournaments. I’m glad the effort paid off,” Fernandez shared in a post-tournament interview.

U-12 Girls Winner Kataleya Sam
U-12 Girls Winner Kataleya Sam

Sam Persaud dominated the girls’ category, showcasing her strategic depth and adaptability. She concluded the tournament with 6 points, securing the top spot with a critical victory in the penultimate round. “Chess is about patience and preparation. This championship has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to continue growing as a player,” Sam said, beaming with pride.

A Promising Future for Chess in Guyana

The success of the National U12 Chess Championship highlights the growing popularity of chess among young Guyanese. The Guyana Chess Federation has been actively promoting the game in schools and communities, recognizing its potential to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills among youths.

President of the Guyana Chess Federation, Anand Ramcharan, expressed his delight at the talent on display. “The performances of Fernandez and Sam are a testament to the bright future of chess in Guyana. We are committed to nurturing these young talents and providing them with opportunities to compete on the international stage.”

Looking Ahead

U-10 and U-8 Group Winers
U-10 and U-8 Group Winners

Both Fernandez and Sam are set to represent Guyana in upcoming regional and international tournaments, including the CARIFTA Chess Championship later this year. Their victories have not only inspired their peers but have also solidified their status as rising stars in the Guyanese chess community.

As the chess world continues to evolve, Guyana’s young champions are making their mark, proving that determination, discipline, and strategic thinking can lead to extraordinary achievements. Congratulations to Fernandez Singh and Sam Persaud, the National U12 Chess Champions of 2025!

Moo Milk Sponsor National U12 Chess Tourneys

 The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is in preparation mode as a new tournament season with the Moo Milk-sponsored National Under 12 Rapid Championship tourneys is set for Sunday. The championships will kick off the 2025 tournament season January 19th, in the Oasis Room at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel Kingston, Georgetown. 

The seven-round Rapid competition will be played in two categories, the Open and Girls section, with an expected participation of forty-plus children. The tournament will be played in the Swiss format with a time control of 20 minutes plus 5-second increments after the first move is played. 

With Moo Milk, once again, as the financial backbone and sponsor for this event, the competition is expected to feature new players ready to showcase their chess skills and vie for the coveted crowns. Reigning Under 12 Boys Champion Jeremy Cole and Girls Champion Kataleya Sam, are both set to return to defend their titles. Several strong contenders will be making their moves on the title holders in both categories. 

This event aims to provide enhanced opportunities for young chess players nationwide to flourish and advance, enabling greater participation in GCF-organized tournaments. The GCF has observed a significant rise in female participation in the National Under 12 tournament over time, leading to the establishment of a dedicated Girls’ Category. 

The GCF extends its heartfelt thanks to De Sinco Trading, particularly their Moo Milk brand, for their unwavering support of youth chess development in Guyana. The GCF thanks the Management of The Guyana Pegasus Hotel for graciously providing the venue for the tournament. Interested persons can join the federation on guyanachess.gy. Information on the tournament is also available on the website. The GCF could be contacted on Facebook, and Instagram, and on their website.