Barbados Excels at 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest with Women Leading Victories

Barbados’ men and women maintained course on Thursday at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. Unfortunately for the men, that meant a further loss, but for the women, it was another day of victory at the SYMA Sports and Conference Centre.

Next up for the women will be Angola in Round 9. The Angolans are ranked 86th. Barbados

The 45th edition of this competition, under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), includes a record-breaking 193 teams in the Open (men’s) section, and 181 squads in the women’s tournament.

Barbados women are up to 89th after a win over 133rd ranked Malawi in Round 8 on Thursday. Woman Candidate Master Hannah Wilson got the Bajans off to a fantastic start, the 15-year-old earning a sterling victory over 37-year-old Woman FIDE Master Linda Jambo. Katrina Blackman continued the winning streak, the 32-year-old Woman Candidate Master upending Tupokiwe Msukwa. Chanon Reifer-Belle was handed a default victory over Anne Simwaba, whilst 22-year-old Woman Candidate Master Kiarra Eversley was unfortunate to lose to Rachel Jaylos.moved up 15 spots from 104th on Wednesday.

Barbados’ men were undone by Myanmar on Thursday, 2-5-1.5. FIDE Master Justin Blackman got things off to a strong start, beating Hlaing Than Min, but Ya Kyaw Zay evened the tie with a win over Kemp Lynch. FIDE Master Dr Philip Corbin lost to Htut Zaw Ye, whilst Lawrence Depradine drew with Myat Linn Phone.

Coming into Thursday’s play 138th in the standings, Barbados dropped to 155th. In Round 9, they will play the team immediately below them, Eswatini sitting at 156th.

As part of the 2024 Olympiad, FIDE is staging a series of activities to mark the largest iteration of its global competition, with thousands of players and supporters gathering in Budapest. The Federation is also celebrating its 100 year anniversary, and on Thursday held a gala and prize-giving ceremony.

(TF)