Corbin wins Kevin Denny Open

Veteran FIDE master Dr Philip Corbin and the unrelated Junior Corbin emerged as winners of the two sections of the 2026 Kevin Denny Open Chess tournament, which concluded over the weekend.

In the Fide rated section, Dr Corbin rolled back the years to record his first tournament victory in some time, in what turned out to be a highly competitive section.

Winner of the Fide rated section,Fide master Dr. Philip Corbin(right) receives his first prize from Erskine Simmons, secretary general of the Barbados Olympic Association. (Photo Credit: Barbados Chess Federation)

It all came down to the last round, which saw Jeremiah Farley entering his last match half a point ahead of Dr Corbin and current ladies champion Woman’s Fide master Hannah Wilson. 

Farley faced off against Justin Kirton, while Corbin played Wilson.

In a tense atmosphere, Farley fought well but eventually found himself down some pawns in the late middle game and Kirton was able to secure victory.

Meanwhile, Corbin was able to work up a furious attack on Wilson’s king in the center. In his element, Corbin was able to apply significant pressure and was on the verge of winning a piece when Wilson resigned. 

With these two results, it meant that Corbin leapfrogged Farley in the standings to finish first on 5.5 points, while Farley ended second on the tie-break with five points.

Justin Parsons also finished with five points along with Kirton and Ronaldo Rochester, after each of these players won their last round games.

Parsons edged out the other two on the tie-break to finish third and grab the final qualifier spot for the 2026 National Open Chess Championship.

Other victories in the last round came for Othneil Harewood, Jefferson Farley, Cyprian La Touche, Rebekah Lashley, Sameera Jaikaran and Paul Thompson.

In the novice unrated section the level of competition was even more intense, as three players finished on six points, with Junior Corbin winning  on the tie-break ahead of Raef Clarke and Kevin St. Hill.

Going into the last round, all three players topped the leader board with five points and all three duly won their respective matches.

Other results in the last round saw victories for William Allen, Miguel Mings, Kendrick Corbin, Nia Snow Clarke, and James Alleyne.

With roughly 40 players competing in the two sections the event was deemed a success. 

It is played in honor of International master Kevin Denny, a 13-time national chess champion and is the second qualifier for the National Open Chess Championship.

The next event on the calendar will be the 2026 Primary Interschool team chess championship to be played June 18-19.

(KD)