The Tribune

THE Bahamas Chess Federation is being represented by a 10-member team competing at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The tournament is being staged from September 15-28.

The Bahamas' team captain is CM Dr Joseph Ferguson and the team trainer is FIDE Master Winston Cu Hor.

The trip was made possible by the contributions from H.E. Dexter Johnson M.D., D.D.S., Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil; Dr Anita Brown-Johnson, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, FIDE and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

In some of the results posted so far, WCM Chika Pride, at just 15-years-old, has achieved a 4-1 win-loss record with one draw out of six rounds played so far.

This makes Pride's fourth time representing the country at this prestigious tournament and the federation indicated that they are thrilled that she can serve as an inspiration to a new generation of aspiring chess players in The Bahamas.

Also, Pride teamed up with WFM Polina Karelina and WCM Daijah Johnson as the women's team won 3-1 over Bhutan for round four.

On the men's side, Philip Hanna Jr got a big win against Zimbabwe’s Tapiwa Jele on board two in round two.

This gave The Bahamas the most points it has achieved historically as of the second round in comparison to Olympiad performances in past years.

Also, Dr Nicholas Johnson won against Uruguay’s International Master Facundo Vazquez on board one in round one.

This marked the second time in history that The Bahamas has won on board one in round one. The first time was in 1990.

The BCF is headed by Curtis Pride, a former national team triple jumper and track and field coach.