Eighteen juniors from the Chess Whiz Kids Academy represented Jamaica at the American Youth Chess Foundation Grand Championship, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, Florida, from Jul7 15-16.

The diverse team, with players aged seven to 15 years, led and coached by National Master Ryan Blackwood, entered eight of nine sections and came out overall winners of seven of the sections.

In the Under 1900 Section, Nicholas Lyn placed fifth and Rushawn White took sixth, which was enough to secure the overall team trophy for the section.

In the Under 1600 Section, the Jamaicans were again overall winners through the efforts of Jaden Shaw – second, Darren McKennis – sixth and Anthony Lyn – ninth.

In the Under 1300 Section, Kyle Pratt finished atop the standings, with teammates Armani Dyer placing ninth and Justin Prince 14th.

In the Under 1000 Section, Jamaica claimed the top team trophy, through the efforts of Leah-Ann Chai – third, Antonic Chung – fourth, Deanndra Kidd – fifth and Zane Chung – 12th.

Entrants to the Under 700 Section played two tournaments on two separate days. On the first day, Amy Stephenson – first, John Stephenson – second, and Demarie Comrie – fourth delivered the team trophy for Jamaica. In the second tournament played on day two, Amy Stephenson – first, John Stephenson – second, and Demarie Comrie – fourth, again delivered for Jamaica.

Entrants to the Under 400 Section also played two tournaments on two separate days. On the first day, Michael Graham – second, Jewel Prince – third and Dylan Blagrove-Lewis – seventh secured top honours for Jamaica.

In the second tournament played on day two, Michael Graham – third, Dylan Blagrove-Lewis – fourth, and Jewel Prince – eighth again delivered the team trophy for Jamaica. Jewel Prince earned the first-place Female Trophy in the Under 400 Section.

The Open Blitz tournament saw Nicholas Lyn claim first place. Darren McKennis and Rushawn White placed third and fourth, respectively, with Jaden Shaw in sixth and Anthony Lyn, seventh .

The Under 1200 Blitz Tournament saw Amy Stephenson taking third and Armani Dyer ending in fourth place. Other participants in the Under 1200 Blitz were Deanndra Kidd eighth, John Stephenson ninth, Kyle Pratt 10th, Leah-Ann Chai 11th, Demarie Comrie 13th, Dylan Blagrove-Lewis 14th, and Michael Graham 15th.

For their exceptional performances, Jaden Shaw, 10 years and Kyle Pratt, 13 years, walked away with some of the coveted scholarship prize money on offer, redeemable upon reaching 17 years old and which can be applied to universities in Jamaica and overseas.

Sponsors for the trip included the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, the Jamaica National Building Society, the Jamaica Public Service Company, CL Environmental Consultants, and the Immaculate Conception High School which sponsored students Leah-Ann Chai and Deanndra Kidd.