The Orchard Junior
Chess Grand Prix kicks off on Saturday at Presentation College, San
Fernando at 9:00 a.m. This tournament which is sponsored by Orchard is
the first in a series of three events that would be held throughout the
country to determine the best junior players in three age groups – Under
10, Under 14 and Under 20. The second tournament will be held in July in
Port of Spain and the final in December at Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago
Ltd.’s Sports club in Valsayn. Points from each tournament will be
accumulated and used to determine the overall Grand Prix winners at the
end of the final tournament in December.
A cash prize fund of
$3,000.00 is at stake, along with special prizes for Best Female player
in each section and Best Male and Female players under the ages of 12
and 8. The first three places in each section will receive the
following cash prizes:
|
Under 20 |
Under 14 |
Under 10 |
|
1st
$800.00 |
1st
$500.00 |
1st
$300.00 |
|
2nd
$400.00 |
2nd
$300.00 |
2nd
$200.00 |
|
3rd
$200.00 |
3rd
$200.00 |
3rd
$100.00 |
Prizes will also be
awarded to winners of each leg of the tournament and attractive
giveaways will be given to each participant.
Edison Raphael,
President of the Trinidad & Tobago Chess Foundation shared the news that
top performing Juniors Chantal Fitzpatrick - National Ladies and Under
16 Junior Champion, Keron Cabralis – National Under 12 Champion and
Christopher Raphael – National Under 14 Champion will be participating.
As well, rising stars Sterling Ramroach and Kerry Singh of Presentation
College, San Fernando and Ananya Annamunthodo of St. Joseph Convent San
Fernando are expected to participate. He said “the Foundation is
thrilled to have secured the interest of Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago Ltd.
as official sponsor of the tournament via its Orchard brand.
Orchard’s contribution
supports the Chess Foundation’s efforts in promoting and encouraging
young people throughout the country to adopt the sport of Chess as a
means of developing their critical thinking skills”.
Interested players can
register for the tournament on Saturday, upon arrival at Presentation
College or call Edison at 678-0132 for further details.
