The USVI Chess Federation St. Croix Chess Club held their 2022 FIDE (World Chess Federation) Winter Festival Chess Tournaments at Education Connections VI on Feb. 11-13, in La Grande Princesse, St. Croix. USVI Chess Federation President Margaret Murphy, FIDE International organizer and arbiter, served as the FIDE official for these tournaments with the assistance of USVI Chess Federation Secretary James Hoffman, ASP (Athletic Support Person).
This was a three-day 10 round chess event providing 20 hours of chess competition. The tournament players included former USVI Chess Olympiad players Michael Smith and Anthony Mongiello along with Colin Peter Heim, Justin Hair, Andrew Skiba and Sasha Sircus. Smith won the first five round tournament with 4.5 out of 5 points; the second tournament was won by Hair with 4.5 of out 5 points. The Winter Chess Festival afforded the opportunity for three unrated players, Hair, Skiba and Sircus to earn a FIDE chess rating.
This tournament was made possible by the generous support of the local community of St. Croix. The USVI Chess Federation St. Croix Chess Club thanks Mr. and Mrs. Allen of Education Connections VI for providing the playing venue and Titan Service Station, Golden Rock Market, and 40 Eats and Drinks for their donations. Jim Hoffman donated his homemade pastries and snacks for all the participants for the three days of the tournament.
FIDE Instructor Margaret Murphy and Anthony Mongiello will resume the Saturday Chess lessons at Education Connections VI on Feb. 19 between 10 and 11:30 a.m., offering free instructions every Saturday.
For more information, contact the USVI Chess Federation at usvichess@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Chess Federation is planning more chess events in 2022 to grow and enhance its chess community in the territory.
