Thursday, September 9 2010

KIRSAN ILYMJANOV, president of the World Chess Federation has paid tribute to Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association for organising the inaugural Umada Cup, which he sponsored at a cost of $250,000.

The international tournament, which was held at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre in St Ann’s, was described as a great success for the entire region.

Venezuela had the largest regional contingent and topped the fields in the Open Section while in the Challengers Section the first position was captured by Romario Sanches of Suriname.

The Open Section, which was for the higher rated players, was captured by International Master (IM) Rafael Prasca of Venezuela who took home the lion’s share of the prize money at stake totalling US$3,000.

In second position was (IM) Julio Ostos also from Venezuela, whiile placing third was Gustavo Hernandez of the Dominican Republic.

In fourth place was Trinidad and Tobago’s FIDE Master (FM) Keron Cabralis. Young Cabralis was TT’s top performer in the Open Section even though (FM) Ryan Harper, who started off badly in the tournament, was still able to secure fifth place.

He finished with the same points as Martyn Del Castilho (Barbados), National Champion Marcus Joseph, (FM) David Finol (Venezuela), and Sanchez Fernandez.

The all scored 5.5 points and occupied the fifth to ninth places.

In the Challengers Section, which was won by Sanches of Suriname, the runner-up prize was captured by German Hererra of Venezuela.

In third position was another Venezuelan, Ulises Hernandez and in fourth was Juan Carlos Hernandez of Honduras.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Kevin Cupid of Arima was able to capture the fifth prize.

The women’s top prize was captured by Jamaican (WFM) Deborah Richards, while second and third were Venezuelans Daniela Hurtado and Zaida Hernandez respectively.

The visit of FIDE president Ilymjanov was a great occasion for the Caribbean region, as it allowed federation heads to meet personally with him at the Hilton Trinidad.

The top chess officials discussed ideas to improve chess in this region and also in their respective countries. Ilymjanov, who was the sponsor of the Umada Cup, pledged that this tournament will take place every year. He pledged US$40,000 to cover the costs with half of it being dedicated to the prize fund. Notwithstanding the sponsorship of the FIDE president local benefactors included Pepsi, Blue Waters and Lucozade who were also involved in the Umada Cup and for this the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association have expressed their appreciation.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association was also quite pleased to see that finally Tobago got back involved in chess. There were two representatives from the sister isle at the Umada Cup and the TTCA hope to see more of their participation in the future.