The Virgin Islands’ (VI) current Chess teams competing at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary was coached by Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Chess Player, Sabina Foisor. Photo: Facebook/BVI Chess Federation

The VI Women’s Chess team competing at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary includes Deniqua McSheene (H Lavity Stoutt Community College freshman), Tiandra Scatliffe (Elmore Stoutt High School), Alexis Marie Ganigan from Virgin Gorda (2024 Bregado Flax Educational Centre - Secondary Division salutatorian), and Jasmin Brito (BFEC senior). Photo: Facebook/FIDE America

The Open team at the Chess Olympiad in Hungary is made up of Art Christopher, Jhon Samuel, Jordan Hinds, and Shamoy Joseph. Photo: Facebook/FIDE America

The VI is being represented at the Olympiad with an Open and Women’s team.

Foisor, who is the 2017 USA Women’s Chess Champion, began virtually coaching both the VI’s Open and Women’s teams about three months ago, through support from FIDE America which provides expert training ahead of the Olympiad. She met the teams for the first time in-person on arrival in Hungary. 

In an interview on the BVI Chess Federation’s social media page, Foisor said, “When I was first put in contact with the BVI I was very excited at the chance to work with both the Open sections of the Men’s team and the Ladies team.”

VI’s first Women’s Chess Team

The VI for the first time is also being represented at the Chess Olympiad by a contingent of young women: Deniqua McSheene (H Lavity Stoutt Community College freshman), Tiandra Scatliffe (Elmore Stoutt High School), Alexis Marie Ganigan from Virgin Gorda (2024 Bregado Flax Educational Centre - Secondary Division salutatorian), and Jasmin Brito (BFEC senior).

Foisor said: “I am very happy to also see the girls bonding with each other because it’s very important for team competition that you’re friends with each other, you support one another even if you lose you’re all there together to learn from your mistakes and try to get better.”

Teams doing well so far

The Open team at the Chess Olympiad is made up of Art Christopher, Jhon Samuel, Jordan Hinds, and Shamoy Joseph.

While not the leading team at the games in Hungary, the teams from the VI have managed to secure a few points so far.

The VI got its first win in Round 3 when Jhon Samuel won against Bermuda in the Open Division on Board 2 on September 13, 2024. 

Jordan Hinds also won on his Olympiad debut against Estelle Mbengo of Senegal in Round 4 on September 14, 2024. Following his win, he said he heeded the words of his team “simply play chess” and he began winning some pieces and working his way up.

Hinds said he was able to “trap” his opponent in a position eventually securing a checkmate and gaining the point. “It’s only up from here,” he said in the social media post.

VI teams in action today

Meanwhile, Round 5 on September 15, 2024, proved to be a record-breaking day for the VI when both teams emerged victorious in their respective games. The Women’s team picked up their first win against Grenada while in the Open Division the VI won against Niger.

Foisor said, “I think the team didn’t come here to win first places. It’s still in the beginning, we have a long way to go but I’m very excited to see the progress, and actually spend more time together working on Chess.”

The teams did not pick up any points during Round 6 on September 16, 2024, however, following a rest day on September 17, the teams will be back at the boards in Round 7 today, September 18, 2024.

The Women will face Sao Tome and Principe while the Open team will play against Tanzania.