A new chess competition seeking to attract established players, returning competitors and busy professionals was launched on Monday at the Oasis Building, Pegasus Hotel.
The Pegasus Weekly Chess League offers participants one competitive game each week, providing a more flexible alternative to tournaments that require players to commit an entire weekend.
The seven-round inaugural season is an initiative of Drayton’s Chess Club, with support from the Pegasus Chess Club and the Guyana Chess Federation.
FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, who founded the club and the league, said the aim is to create a consistent environment in which people can regularly compete and remain connected to the sport.
The concept is built around the message: “One game. Every week. Real competition.”
That approach attracted a diverse group for the opening round, including engineers, accountants, teachers, coaches, national chess players, students, entrepreneurs, a lawyer and corporate trainer, a builder and an artist.
Several participants are not normally active in regular competitions. The league was therefore structured to accommodate experienced tournament players as well as working professionals, businesspeople, students and other enthusiasts seeking an accessible route back into competitive chess.
Participants can register for an entire season or, depending on space and registration requirements, compete in individual rounds.
On the board, Ryan McKay defeated Martin, while Jessica Callender won against Owen Mickle. Keron Sandiford beat Oluwadare Oyeyipo and Raymond Sookdeo overcame Sachin Beharry.
Sreebalakumar defeated Annastaysha Marcano, while Davion Mars secured a victory over Jaden Taylor. Odinnie Reece was awarded a point after being listed without an opponent.
Reece, McKay, Sookdeo, Callender, Mars, Sandiford and Sreebalakumar share the early lead with one point each. Oyeyipo, Beharry, Marcano, Martin, Mickle and Taylor are yet to score, with six rounds remaining.
Organisers are looking beyond the opening season, with plans to develop a Drayton’s Chess Club website containing league results, standings, statistics and individual playing histories.
An internal rating system is also planned to give players a continuous record based on their performances in the weekly competition. It will not replace FIDE or national ratings but will allow participants to measure their development across multiple seasons.
The league’s long-term expansion will also include team competition from 2027. Players will still compete for individual standings, ratings and prizes, but their results could also count towards teams representing chess clubs and other eligible organisations.
Details surrounding team eligibility, composition and scoring will be released after organisers assess the structure and results of the league’s early seasons.
The opening night received positive feedback from participants and attendees. Brandon Badal was recognised for his support, while Pegasus, the Pegasus Chess Club, the Guyana Chess Federation and the inaugural group of players were also thanked for helping to launch the competition.
Round Two is scheduled for Monday, August 24, at the Oasis Building, Pegasus Hotel.
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