Chess champion Drayton to represent Guyana in Barbados and St. Lucia

Guyana’s national Chess champion, Anthony Drayton, is scheduled to represent the country in two major Chess tournaments this month, courtesy his employer, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

Drayton will attend the Caribbean Chess Cup Games in Barbados on August 27 and the St. Lucia Chess Festival on August 28 and 29.

“I’m leaving Guyana feeling positive because my chances of success are very high. I will be competing against the best players in the Caribbean, so I am aiming for the top titles,” Drayton commented before departure.

“It is also a good feeling to know that my place of work is supporting my journey; I could not have asked for better support. GTT’s backing means a lot to me as I push further into fulfilling my dreams and making my name in the Caribbean as a chess champion,” he said.

Drayton is a Network Technician II and has been employed with GTT for the past six years. His Direct Supervisor, Paul Niles, wished him success at the tournaments.

“It’s always great to see persons succeeding in their professional and personal lives and striking that balance. As Anthony journeys to this tournament I wish him nothing but the best. He has the support of the company and all who work here,” said Niles.

In June 2019, Drayton outplayed seven chess players at the Swiss System Tournament at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, where he secured his title by the sixth round.

Drayton holds a 2007 rating (the highest in Guyana) and an International Federation, (FIDE) Master Title.  He has dominated the chess scene for the past two years and aims to improve his knowledge of chess to one day earn the title of ‘International Master.’