Bahamas Junior Chess Championship 2015

Being on top is never easy--everyone has you in their sights.

In defending his title, Philip Hanna, the reigning Bahamas junior champion, learned this simple human truth. With many of the country's young players gaining more attacking and defensive skills, Hanna had to play to top form.  And even at his best, Hanna had to settle for a draw in round three, when Luke Stuart--the top under-18 player--gave absolutely nothing up.  Indeed, despite a time advantage, the position was dangerous enough that Hanna's draw offer was a reasonable choice.

Hanna's time would not get easier.  In the final round, paired against Nathan Smith, the country's youngest Candidate Master, Hanna had to fight right down to the last pawn.  Into the endgame the position was a statistical draw, when a slight error in calculation on Smith's part, gave Hanna the edge he needed.  It came down to a race for promotion, which Hanna won by one move.

The players all fought valiantly and gained valuable experience against tough competition.  It was especially helpful for those travelling to the CAC Youth Festival in Trinidad in August, namely CM Nathan Smith, Daijah Johnson, and Luke Stuart.

The prize winners were:

Philip Hanna Jr. -- Winner overall and Top U20
CM Nathan Smith -- 2nd place overall and Top U12
Luke Stuart -- 3rd place overall and Top U18
John Saintilma -- Top U16
Daijah Johnson -- Top U14
Ivoine Strachan -- Top U10
Kamori Rolle -- Top U8

Final Standings. Bahamas Junior Chess Championship 2015

#	Name	Rtng	Rd 1	Rd 2	Rd 3	Rd 4	Rd 5	Tot	TBrk[H]	TBrk[W]	TBrk[T]	TBrk[B]
1	Philip Hanna Jr	1721	W9	W6	D3	W4	W2	4.5	100	4	3	14.5
2	CM Nathan Smith	1590	W5	W10	W6	W3	L1	4.0	100	4	2	14
3	Luke Stuart	1600	W12	W4	D1	L2	W7	3.5	100	3	3	14.5
4	Nelissa Thomas	1433	W7	L3	W10	L1	W11	3.0	100	3	2	13
5	John Saintilma	1204	L2	W12	D7	W8	D6	3.0	100	2	3	11.5
6	Daijah Johnson	1584	W8	L1	L2	W9	D5	2.5	100	2	2	15
7	Ivoine Strachan	986	L4	B---	D5	W10	L3	2.5	100	2	2	12
8	Akila Thomas	1021	L6	W9	L12	L5	W10	2.0	100	2	2	8.5
9	Kelsie Thomas	1402	L1	L8	B---	L6	W12	2.0	99	2	2	11.5
10	Kamori Rolle	881	B---	L2	L4	L7	L8	1.0	100	1	2	11.5
11	Richmard Justilien	1128	U---	U---	U---	W12	L4	1.0	100	1	1	11.5
12	James Joseph	1228	L3	L5	W8	L11	L9	1.0	99	1	3	12.5