VI Chess Teams Set for Historic Competition
The British Virgin Islands National Chess Teams have arrived in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to compete in the record-breaking 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad. Following the opening ceremony on September 15, round-by-round competition begins on September 16 in a tournament featuring more than 400 total teams across open and women's divisions.
The British Virgin Islands National Chess Teams have safely arrived in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to represent the Territory at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, which officially runs from September 15 to 27. According to a government press release, this year's tournament stands as the largest in the Olympiad's 102-year history, drawing a record 208 teams in the Open section and 192 in the Women's event.
Hosted at the Silk Road International Tourism Centre, the opening ceremony took place on September 15, with Round 1 of the 11-round Swiss-system tournament getting underway on September 16 at 3:00 PM local time. The intense competition will feature a designated rest day on September 22 before champions are officially crowned at the conclusion of play on September 27.
According to the BVI Chess Federation, the Open Team features Maurice Lettsome on Board One, Jhon Samuel on Board Two, Shamoy Joseph on Board Three, and Anferny Raheem Hodge on Board Four, with Dimitri Fungfook serving as the reserve player. The squad is guided by Grandmaster Samy Shoker as coach alongside team captain Art Christopher.
The Women's Team is led by Tiandra Scatliffe on Board One, Makalia Fergus on Board Two, Alexis Ganigan on Board Three, and Chane-Ann Chin on Board Four, supported by reserve player Kiara Phillip. Colombian trainer and International Woman Master Angela Franco serves as both coach and team captain for the women's contingent.
A major highlight of the delegation is the strong representation of youth competitors, including students from the Bregado Flax Educational Centre on Virgin Gorda, such as Fergus and Phillip. School leadership and local supporters commended the students' discipline and strategic growth, pointing to the steady development of scholastic chess across the Virgin Islands.
The Territory's contingent enters the global arena following intensive preparation that began in June. National players and youth competitors participated in international training camps and preparatory tournaments over the summer, including high-level training in Peru and top-10 finishes at the inaugural Caribbean Chess Cup in Aruba to sharpen their form.
Accompanying the players in Uzbekistan are team manager Jenefer McSheene, BVI delegate to the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Congress Sachkia Barnes, as well as traveling parents and delegation supporters. The BVI Chess Federation expressed gratitude to the families, supporters, and key sponsors who made the trip possible, including FIDE, the Confederation of Chess in the Americas, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Georges Rhymer Institute of Public Policy, Barry's Electrical Services, Barnes and Co., and Mellow Moods Cafe.
Residents across the Virgin Islands are encouraged to follow the teams' progress and send their support on the official BVI Chess Facebook page as competition unfolds.
Primary source: VINO