FOLLOWING LAST Saturday’s successful hosting of the first-ever National Chess Championships, head of the SVG Chess Federation, Israel Bruce, disclosed that his organisation will be embarking on a membership drive. “We will be going on a membership drive… We are also looking to get the sport into the schools,” Bruce advised.

According to Bruce, “Chess triggers the mind… It also demands persons with a certain IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and no better place to have it than in the nation’s schools” Bruce emphasised that given the nature of Chess, it would assist these students in their studies and can aid them to be successful in exams. He said that apart from the schools, the membership drive will be extended to the wider community, inclusive of novices and those who would have played Chess in the past, but have discontinued.

Referring to National Championships which was held at the Gate 3 Restaurant of the former ET Joshua Airport, Bruce said that it was not only a landmark event, but will help keep the sport in the minds of the Vincentian public.

And, if to preempt the successful recruitment drive, Bruce was elated that a six-year-old male, who was present at last Saturday’s event, has already shown a good understanding of Chess.

Saturday’s championships saw six players competing.

After the round -robin format, it was Chinedu Benjamin Enemchukwu who defeated his five challengers.

Thus, Enemchukwu became the maiden winner of the Tyrone Jack Memorial National Chess Championship. Glendon Swift finished second and placing third was Michael Stephens.

The other competitors were Israel Bruce, Oris Robinson and Vanburn Harry.

Bruce said that he was pleased with the championships, despite the relatively small number of participants.

He revealed that some potential players expressed reluctance of having to sit face to face with someone, amidst the threats of the Covid-19 virus.

Bruce was gracious to those who participated and thankful to all the donors who ensured that the championships came to fruition.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is a provisional member of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), a status that was earned on October 27, this year.

Optimism is rife that full membership will be gained by the end of 2021, or early in 2022.