Chess Federation to start 2025 with MOO! Milk Under-12 Rapid tournament

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is set to start a new tournament season with the MOO! Milk-sponsored National Under-12 Rapid Championship tourneys.

The championships will kick off the 2025 tournament season on Sunday, January 19, 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 40-plus children.

The tournament will be played in the Swiss format with a time control of 20 minutes, plus five-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,” the Chess Federation said in a release.

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-organised tournaments,” the Chess Federation added.

“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 DeSinco Trading, particularly their MOO! Milk brand, for their unwavering support of youth chess development in Guyana.”

The Federation would also like to thank 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.

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