Kemp Lynch is the new 2023 Blitz chess champion of Barbados after winning the 9-round event from a field of about two dozen players at the Coles Building, Bay Steet on Boxing Day in emphatic fashion. Blitz chess is a fast-paced version of the game where players had three minutes with two second increment for each side to complete their game. It’s much akin to twenty-twenty cricket.

Lynch went into the event as the top-rated player and was determined to prove the rankings correct. He struck the clear lead in round four when he defeated the also then co-leader Noah Clarke, and then it was just a case of him ensuring he racked up points to keep the lead. After 6 consecutive victories Lynch coasted to 7 ½ points and victory with 3 consecutive draws in his final three matches. This is Lynch’s second consecutive victory on the trot, and he is quickly asserting himself as one of the country’s leading active players.

Finishing in second was Justin Parsons on 6 ½ points who edged out a returning Craig Harewood on the tie-break. Parsons had defeated Harewood in their head-to-head clash and was thus awarded the higher position. It was a welcome return to the boards for Harewood who would not have played a competitive game since 2007 but showed that he was still as competitive as he was during his junior days.

The top female finisher in the event was Chanon Reifer-Belle, who finished in fourth place overall on 6 points. Reifer-Belle was steady throughout the event and suffered defeats to only the top three finishers but defeated all her 6 other opponents.

The best 1400 and under rating section was shared by Noah Clarke, Jerimiah Farley and Dr. Carlos Chase, all finishing on 5 points. Dr. Chase, a once active player, said he enjoyed the event and was impressed by the skill and enthusiasm of many of the junior players participating.

The next and final event of the year will be the National Rapid Championships to be held on Saturday, December 30^th, starting at 10.00 a.m. at the Coles Building, Bay Street in the city.