Ryan Bachoo
Zara La Fleur remained undefeated as the St. Augustine Girls’ High School student soared to glory at the National Youth and National Junior Chess Championships 2024 which took place on January 14 at Cascadia Hotel.
Some 60 players from across the country competed in seven age divisions. La Fleur competed in the Open Section as opposed to the Female category of the Under-20s and finished unbeaten with a score of 6/7 (5 wins and 2 draws).
The T&T Chess Association (TTCA) President, Sonja Johnson, was happy with the level of participation. She said, “Chess continues to thrive in Trinidad and Tobago. It is also encouraging to see players from as young as 6 years of age participating in these events. On behalf of the TTCA, I extend a heartfelt thank you to all players, parents, coaches, media personnel and all other stakeholders who have joined in continuing to develop the sport of chess in Trinidad and Tobago!”
Under 8
Female: Vaishnavi Rampersad, Montrose Government Primary School
Open: Ty Humphrey, Home-schooled
Under 10
Female: Breanna Joseph, Montrose Government Primary School
Open: Jaydon Bowyer, St. Monica’s Preparatory School
Under 12
Female: Alexandra Kumar, Scarborough RC Primary School
Open: Nicholas McLetchie, Lambeau Anglican Primary School
Under 14
Female: Samantha Dolly, St. Augustine Girls’ High School
Open: Luke Gillette, Fatima College
Under 16
Female: Aradhana Ramnarine-Singh, Naparima Girls’ High School
Open: Kael Samuel Bisnath, Presentation College Chaguanas
Under 18
Female: Zara La Fleur- St. Augustine Girls’ High School
Open: Brad Munroe-Brown
Under 20
Female: Aradhana Ramnarine-Singh, Naparima Girls’ High School
Open: Zara La Fleur-St. Augustine Girls’ High School
