Press Release

Once again The Mutual has joined forces with the Barbados Chess Federation to sponsor the "Mutual Open Junior Chess Championships", which begin on Monday July 15th 2002 at the Barbados Community College.

This is the 4th year that The Mutual has partnered with the BCF to promote the event which has become the highlight of the junior chess year. Open to players born on or before January 1st 1982, a number of overseas players are expected to compete including an eight year old from the US.

Several top Trinidadian youngsters have already registered for the event, and they will be seeking revenge for their defeat at the hands of the Barbados Junior Team, in November last year.

There will be eight rounds of action altogether, with the first round on Monday, two rounds on each of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the final round on Friday. Games start each day is 9a.m., while prizes will be awarded in various age categories.

A strong turn out is expected from the Barbados contingent, as the Mutual Open is now a compulsory tournament for members of the Barbados Under 12, 14, 16 and 20 squads. Non-squad members are also encouraged to play as the competition offers a wonderful opportunity for exposure against some of the region’s top juniors.

Juniors intending to compete, or seeking more information, should contact Trevor Griffith (435-0798), Rohan Waithe (429-4516), or Allan Herbert (421-8468), or arrive by 8.30 am on Monday at Community College, armed with a pen or pencil and a chess clock, if possible.

The 2001 Barbados Sports Personality of the Year, International Master Kevin Denny is a past Open Junior winner; while last year’s winner, Wilson Pelencia of Venezuela, went on to qualify for his International Master title three months later in the Venezuela, Ecuador and Caribbean Islands Sub-zone Qualifier for the 2003 World Chess Championships.

Is there a future International Grandmaster competing this year in the Mutual Open Junior? Check the action in the Science Auditorium at Community College over the next week to find out!

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