Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation

120 Chessists AS ORCHARD JUNIOR CHESS GRAND PRIX ENDS

WINNERS in the T&TCF’s first Grand Prix tournament are seen with Edison Raphael, president of the T&TCF left and Nestle official Russel Frank right. The winners include Keron Cabralis, Jonathan Chong, Prasanna Ramakrishnan, Mahindra Singh, Jarryon Paul, Kelle John, Trevaughn Antoine, Prithvi Ramakrishnan, Siddatha Jahorie, Melissa Pereira, Rafael Guerrero, Velson Lewis, Sterling Ramroach, Esan Wiltshire, Jayson Paul, Christopher Raphael.

See Photo Report below:

The final leg of the Orchard Junior Chess Grand Prix Championship came to a close on Saturday 4^th November at the Nestle Sports Club. The event attracted 120 enthusiastic Chessists. Those in the Under 10, 14 and 20 categories also competed in the earlier legs which took place in April and July this year, while 49 first time participants rose to the challenges presented in the newly introduced “Novices” category.

At the close of tournament organized by the Trinidad & Tobago Chess Foundation, Christopher Raphael of St. Mary’s College walked away with the first prize in the Under 20 category. Raphael stole the show edging out his nearest rival by half point.

Christopher Raphael receives 1^st place trophy for Russel Frank of Nestle Trinidad & Tobago’s Category Sales Development Manager for Refreshing Beverages.

Following closely behind in second and third places were Keron Cabralis of Arima Boy’s R.C. School and Sterling Ramroach of Presentation College, San Fernando.

Additionally, the intellect and problem solving skills of enthusiasts competing in the Under 14 category were tested, resulting in Prithvi Ramakrishnan of the International School of Port of Spain seizing the lead and copping the title of first place winner in the Under 14 category. Jayson Paul of QRC nabbed second while Jarryon Paul of Diamond Vale Government Primary and Joseph Gill of Fatima College came in joint third place.

Competitors in the Under 10 category saw Prasanna Ramakrishnan of Dunross Preparatory School, Jonathan Chong of Holy Name Preparatory School and Kellee John of Christian Primary Academy emerge as first, second and third place winners respectively.

Russel Frank, Nestle Trinidad & Tobago’s Category Sales Development Manager for Refreshing Beverages witnessed the games and reported that “we are excited to see such a large turn out and happy to be associated with the event as, like our brands, chess promotes healthy minds and healthy bodies. As the proud sponsor of this event, we were elated with the introduction of the “Novices” category in the Championship’s final leg, as it exposed 49 new comers to the intensity of competition in a sympathetic environment.” The proud winners in this category were Velson Lewis of St. Mary’s College in first place, Siddhartha Jahorie of Presentation College, San Fernando in second place and Mahendra Singh of Cruepe Presbyterian Primary School in third place. Frank congratulated all participants and commended them on the perfectly natural choice that they made to be part of the Orchard Junior Chess Grand Prix.

The titles of Best Female player in the Under 12 categories were captured by Melissa Pereira of Christian Primary Academy. Winners were presented with cash prizes, hampers chock full of Orchard drinks and trophies. T&T Chess Foundation President, Edison Raphael addressed the audience comprising participants and their parents at the prize-giving ceremony (staged immediately at the close of the games). He said “the T&T Chess Foundation is pleased to be associated with Nestle Trinidad & Tobago Ltd. in the staging of the Orchard Junior Chess Grand Prix Championship. By partnering with us in this event, Nestle T&T has made a meaningful contribution which will serve to build intelligence and to develop the intellect, morals and ethics of the tournament’s participants”.

Photo Report:

Keron Cabralis 2^nd Under 20 Category receives his trophy for Russell Frank