Team Saint Lucia returned home this week from the FIDE World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad in Barranquilla, Colombia. Seeded 70th, Saint Lucia finished 78th out of a field of 85. D’yorni Cilpa led the team with six points, followed by Jamari Joseph (2.5), Ariel De Leon Ariel (two), and Shekinah Leonce (1.5).
Although Saint Lucia lost 3-1 to Chile in the opening round, 16-year-old St Mary’s College student Cilpa got his first win, over Benjamin Castillo. The group was swept by Colombia in the second round.
Against El Salvador’s B team, Cilpa won again, beating Sophia Palencia. Jamari Joseph also earned a victory over Matias Bonilla, as the teams drew 2-2. Saint Lucia then had their best result in the fourth round, beating The Bahamas 3-1. Cilpa defeated Chika Pride, Joseph beat Caerwyn Turnquest, and Leonce came out on top against Danica Rolle.
Joseph got a draw against Colombia’s Diego Florez, but the hosts’ D team won 3.5-5. De Leon and Cilpa took wins in the 2-2 tie against another Colombia team. But yet another local team swept the Saint Lucia in the seventh round. Again, Saint Lucia tied with the Colombians, as Cilpa won, De Leon and Leonce both played to draws.
In the final round of play, yet another Colombia team beat Saint Lucia 2.5-5, Cilpa getting the sole win, over Felipe Romero, and De Leon playing to a draw.
The Saint Lucia Chess Federation commended its youth team on their representation. The U16 Olympiad was the first international outing for most team members. The young players were able to gain valuable experience on the world stage, to hone their chess skills, build resilience, and forge camaraderie.
