THE 2nd BAHAMAS YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 

The 2^nd Bahamas Youth Chess Championship 2008 was held on Saturday 16^th and 23^rd February at C.R. Walker Senior High School Auditorium.  This two day tournament was divided into six (6) sections – U21, U18, U16, U14, U12 and U10.  The tournament was Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF) rated and each player was required to keep score.

Main Hall of The 2^nd Bahamas Youth Chess Champion 2008

The BCF President, Kean Alfred Smith, said that the Bahamas Youth Chess Championship is quickly becoming a major tournament and will hopefully be a tournament from which a National Chess Team can be selected.

The tournament produced outstanding performances from Elton Joseph, Akini Morris and Polina Major who went undefeated in their respective divisions.  Of particular note was the performance of Bradesha Duncombe and Polina Major who won their respective division.  They both participated in The 1^st Bahamas Junior Girls Chess Championship 2007 (BJGC).  The BJGC was organized by the BCF to promote chess play with girls.  Smith said that the participation of girls in chess tournaments are slowly becoming common place.  Four girls that played in this year’s Youth Championship.  Two girls each played in the Under 12 and Under 10 Divisions.  They have made there mark in this tournament and are expected to do the same thing next month in the Scholastic Individual Chess Championship which is schedule for Saturday 15^th March at C.I. Gibson Senior High School Gymnasium.

Polina Major playing Kelsie Thomas in the Under 10 section. 

Kelsie’sister Nelissa participated in the Under 12 section.

BCF President pointed out that the tournament was comprise of players from various schools, which show that there is wide interest in the sport and talent is not isolated or restricted to any school.  A review of the tournament results support Smith’s claim.

FINAL STANDING

Under 21

1. Elton Joseph (College of The Bahamas) – Undefeated 5-0
2. Khristian Plakaris (College of The Bahamas)

Under 18

1.      Lincoln Knowles (St. Augustine)

2.      Chris Curry (C.V. Bethel)

Under 16

1. Jesse Wheeler (St. Andrew’s)
2. Jamaal Springer (C.R. Walker)

Under 14

1.      Akini Morris (Nassau Christian Academy) – Undefeated 4-0

2.      Dante Delaney

3.      Travis Davis (A.F. Adderley Jr. High)

Under 12

1.      Bradesha Duncombe (Yellow Elder Primary)

2.      Ricardo Knowles (Gerald Cash Primary)

3.      Devaughn Williamson (C.R. Walker Primary)

Under 10

1.      Polina Major (Queen’s College) – Undefeated 6-0

2.      Tre Rolle (South Haven Christian Academy)

3.      Brad Duncombe (Yellow Elder Primary)

The efforts of the BCF to promote Chess play amount young Bahamians have gotten the attention of The Ministry of Sports.  The Minister of Sports, Hon. Byron Woodside, brought remarks at the Awards Ceremony of the Youth Championships.  Minister Woodside was the first Minister of Sports of The Bahamas to attend any Chess event that was organized in The Bahamas by the BCF.  At the Awards Ceremony, the BCF President said that he was grateful that the Minister accepted the invitation of the BCF and attended the ceremony.  He continued saying that the BCF needs the Ministry of Sports assistance with funding much needed programs that will give young chess players opportunities to develop their skills and game.

Hon. Byran Woodside – Minister of Sport

 The Minister acknowledged the founders of the BCF who made invaluable contribution to the development of Chess.  He further congratulated the BCF for perservering over the years despite developmental challenges.  He noted some of the major and recent accomplishments of the BCF including Antoinette Seymour and Juliette Storr winning the Women Chess Championship in the English Speaking Caribbean in 1983 and 1985 respectively.  After his formal address the Minister expressed interest in learning the game and ask that BCF representatives inform him when the next beginner’s classes start!  Since the time of that comment, I understand that a special introductory session is being planned for the Minister.     

Participants, BCF Executives and Spectators in Main Hall during Minister Woodside’s address.

Below are several photos taken during tournament play and the Awards Ceremony – enjoy.

Ramon Paterson and his schoolmate Tre Rolle relaxing between rounds on the final day of play

From left - Jamaal Springer looking on as 2006 National Chess Champion, Charles Duncombe, plays blitz with Tameco McDonald outside of the Main Playing Hall.

From left – Dante Delaney and Akini Morris playing between rounds as Nelissa Thomas (orange shirt) looks on.

From left – Kean Alfred Smith, President of The Bahamas Chess Federation, Lincoln Knowles U18 Winner, Polina Major U6 Winner, Hon Byran Woodside, Minister of Sports, Bradesha Duncombe U12 Winner and Elton Joseph U21 Winner.

Under 10 winners (from left):  3^rd place Brad Duncombe, Winner Polina Major, Minister Woodside

Under 14 Division winners – (from left) 4^th place Gary Black, 3^rd place Travis Miller, Minister Woodside, Ashley Gibson and David Bullard.  Not pictured – 1^st place Akini Morris and 2^nd place Dante Delaney.

Under 12 Division (from left) - Bradesha Duncombe, Minister Woodside and Devaughn Williamson

The Heavy Weights!! – from left, Lincoln Knowles, Khristian Plakaris, Jesse Wheeler, Minister Woodside, Jaamal Springer, Chris Curry and Elton Joseph.