FIDE Master (FM) Joshua Johnson and Women Candidate Master (WCM) Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez were named the T&T Chess Association "Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year" at the association's end-of-year prize-giving ceremony on December 22 at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre in St Ann's, Port-of-Spain.
Sharing the spotlight that day were Joshua Medina (CM Conditional) and Zara La Fleur (WCM Conditional), who were presented the respective youth versions of the awards for their performances at both local and international events as well as their contribution to the development of the sport of chess.
TTCA president Sonja Johnson was pleased by her association's accomplishments throughout the year saying: “2023 resulted in the TTCA resuming its full calendar of activities since the COVID-19 period. I am also very encouraged by some of the chess talent that is emerging within the community as well as the performances from some of the current pool of top talents who demonstrated that they were willing to level up in 2023 and produce some great performances.
"We are also thankful for the many persons who served as arbiters, trainers, organisers, volunteers over the period which allowed all of our events to be a success.
"Finally, I am honoured to work with my current executive team who bring different attributes to the table that allow us to function effectively. Chess is on a growth path, and we look forward to the wider community and stakeholders to join us on this journey!”
Johnson and Rodriguez were in dominant form last year, starting off at the National Chess Championships Women (July 29 - August 6) and Absolute (September 9-30).
The top men's player emerged as the new national chess champion with a score of 9.5/11 points at the return of the National Championships after four years at the Cascadia Hotel.
Rodriguez also thrived at the event as she was crowned national women’s champion with a score of 8.5/9.
At the National Blitz Chess Championships which took place on October 14 at St Joseph’s Convent Heritage Hall, both players excelled. Johnson came away as the national Blitz champion, scoring 6.5 out of 7 to win his seventh title in this format while Rodriguez was the new women's champion. She scored 5.5 /7 for the win.
The following weekend (October 21-22), Johnson just missed out on another title at the National Rapid Chess Championships. The competition saw the return of former national champion CM Ravishen Singh who copped the title on tie break with 7/9 points. Johnson and FM Quinn Cabralis were also tied on 7/9 points but came in second and third, respectively, on tie break.
Zara La Fleur also tasted success at the event, copping the top female prize to become national women’s rapid champion with a score of 6/9.
At the awards ceremony, the winners of the National Swiss Chess Championships were also recognised.
Over two weekends (November 18-19 and November 25-26) at the Cascadia Hotel, the National Swiss Chess Championships Absolute and Women were held and saw some competitive matchups. La Fleur was crowned the new national Swiss female champion with a score of 5 out of 5 points and the national Absolute Swiss champion was Isaiah Mc Intosh, who scored 6.5 /7.
Also making a return to the TTCAA calendar was the National Senior Chess Championships for 50 and 65-plus players. The event, which took place also over two weekends (December 2-3 and December 16-17) at the Southern Chess Club in San Fernando attracted some of the country's top veterans.
FIDE Arbiter (FA) Roderick Noel emerged as the national 65-plus champion and the national 50-plus champion was Ian Ali.