Primary Schools Chess Championship set for Wildey Gym

The Barbados Primary Interschool Team Chess Championship will be contested over two days, June 18–19, at the Wildey Gymnasium, bringing together teams from across the island in a competitive Swiss-format showdown.

The tournament will feature a five-round Swiss team system, with each team made up of five players and up to two reserves. Open to both public and private primary schools, each school is permitted to enter a maximum of three teams.

Each player scores a point for a win, a ½ point for a draw and zero for a loss. The cumulative game points are then used to determine the championship winners.

Reigning champions Charles F. Broome will defend their title as they chase a third straight win, having dominated primary school chess in recent years under coach Corie Elcock. 

Last year, Charles F Broome ‘A’ eked out an exciting half point win over second place finishers St Winifreds. Due to the tournament clashing with exams, however, St Winifreds have decided to forego this year’s event. 

Last year’s third-placed team, St Giles, will not also be participating, but fourth-placed finishers St Gabriels have been confirmed and will be aiming to improve their performance.
Last year’s championship saw twenty teams participating from fourteen primary schools and this number should increase this year. 

The Barbados Chess Federation continues to encourage the growth of the game in the school system and will be looking forward to cooperating earnestly with the Ministry of Education’s Chess in Education programme, which it should soon implement.

(KD)