Shaw leads Jamaica’s chess players at Pan American U-20s

FIDE Master Jaden Shaw. August 11, 2026 SEVEN Jamaicans competed at the Chess Campeonato Panamericano U-20 in Honduras August 2-9, with the tournament contested over nine rounds. In the Absolute section, FIDE Master (FM) Jaden Shaw led the Jamaican contingent, finishing 15th, while Candidate Master (CM) Darren McKennis was 16th and Aayush Jain 23rd in a competitive field of 62 players. The Absolute section was won by Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Candela Be Francisco Guecamburu of Argentina, who went unbeaten. FM Narayan Venkatesh of the United States finished second, while FM Stefan Moisei Vieira Lima of Brazil was third. In the Female section, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Gabriella Watson led the Jamaican ladies in 11th place. WCM Kaia Gayle was 12th, Amy Stephenson 17th and Kaity Gayle 18th in a field of 27 ladies. The Female section was won by WFM Karen Nerina Gaite of Argentina, who also went unbeaten. Woman International Master (WIM) Kate Azumi Bravo Mallco of Peru finished second, while FM Hauman Fiorella Contreras of Peru was third. National coach International Master (IM) Jomo Pitterson said the Jamaicans performed well, although their results did not always reflect the level of their play. “The Jamaicans played well. In some cases, the results, didn’t reflect the level of play but going forward, with consistent, high-level international exposure, the overall standard of play will continue to improve significantly,” Pitterson said. “The future augurs well for Jamaica’s chess athletes.” Women’s Candidate Master Gabriella Watson. International News, Latest News LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP)—The trial of a former gang leader accused of orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur finally began on Monday,... International News, Latest News WASHINGTON, United States (AFP)—United States (US) President Donald Trump on Monday backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is in hot water over a... Entertainment, Latest News Honorebel called on some famous friends for Winner Circle , his 14th album, which is scheduled for release on September 4. Big Mountain, Etana, Nyanda... KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jayden Ebanks delivered a statement performance at the Florida Open, capturing the Under 2250 championship title and strengthening h... International News, Latest News WASHINGTON, United States (AFP)—The United States on Monday announced an emergency aid package worth $15.5 million for Colombia after a powerful earth... KINGSTON, Jamaica– The Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, through the National Water Commission (NWC), says it will be issuing a water... KINGSTON, Jamaica–The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has signed a working framework with the Province of Lecce, Italy, setting o... International News, Latest News CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP)—The number of dead from Venezuela's twin quakes in June rose to 6,301 on Monday, as rescue teams and family members continued... Facebook Twitter Instagram Polls Recent Posts Archives