Charles F Broome ‘A’ retains primary schools chess crown

Charles F Broome ‘A’ successfully defended its Primary Schools’ Team Chess Championship title after a flawless performance at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

The champions won all five of their matches to finish with 21 points, narrowly holding off a determined St Gabriel’s ‘A’, which placed second on 19.5 points.

Benjamin Luciene of St Gabriel’s, accepting his board prize from Minister of Education Chad Blackman. (Photo Credit: KD)

St Jude’s secured third place on a tie-break after finishing level on 18 1⁄2 points with St Cyprian’s ‘B’ in a thrilling battle for the final podium spot.

Going into the final round, Charles F Broome ‘A’ led with 17 points from Providence “A” on 15 .5  and St George Primary “A” on 15 points and it was believed that the eventual tournament winner would come from this group.

As fate would have it, the two leaders would meet each other and the Charles F Broome ‘A’ team turned in a stellar performance when they defeated Providence “A” 4–1. They  got victories from Nathan Culpepper, Daesha Rose Parris, Nia Snow Clarke and Naja Howard. 

Providence “A” meanwhile had a consolation victory, as Caelynn Gordon defeated Kymani Gayle.

This year’s victory cements Charles F Broome as the top primary school chess team, as they have now recorded a string of victories over the last few years. 

The championship had a turnout of 29 teams from approximately 20 primary schools with 150 players participating, while each school had a team of five players plus two reserves. 

Several players won all their individual matches and were awarded board prizes. These included Caelyn Gordon (Providence “A”), Liam Lowe (St Cyprian’s “B”), Naja Howard (CFB), Tyriq Goddard (St George “A”), Nia Sow-Clarke (CFB “A”), Rydun Jones-Jordan (St George “B”), Janea Clarke (St Judes), Dominic Cadogan (St Cyprian’s A) and the top performer in this year’s Common Entrance exam, Benjamin Luciene (St Gabriel’s “A”).

(KD)