The Virgin Islands’ national chess teams have recorded milestone results at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the Women’s team securing its first match victory and the Open team earning its first individual win and match point of the tournament. Photo: Facebook

Team VI’s Women’s squad opened its account in convincing fashion, defeating Bermuda 3–1 in Round 3 at the Expo Centre to earn its first match point of the Olympiad. Kiara Phillip, playing on Board 4, delivered VI’s first-ever game win of the event by overcoming Bermuda’s Francesca Creasall-Haycock. Photo: Facebook

For the Virgin Islands, the combination of its first match win (Open vs. Comoros), first individual win and the Women’s team’s 3–1 triumph over Bermuda represents a significant step forward for the territory on the global stage. With several rounds still to play, Team VI is now positioned to build on these breakthroughs as it continues competition in Samarkand. Photo: Facebook

Women’s team beats Bermuda 3–1

Team VI’s Women convincingly opened its account, defeating Bermuda 3–1 in Round 3 at the Expo Centre to earn its first match point of the Olympiad. Kiara Phillip, playing on Board 4, delivered the VI’s first-ever game win of the event by overcoming Bermuda’s Francesca Creasall-Haycock. Chane-Ann Chin (Board 3) and Makalia Fergus (Board 2) followed with victories to seal the 3–1 scoreline. Tiandra Scatliffe, now on Board 1 after moving up from Board 3 at the Budapest Olympiad, was unable to convert her game, while Alexis Ganigan had a rest day. After the round, the team debriefed with trainer and coach, Women's International Master Angela Franco, reviewing key moments and lessons from the day’s play.

Open team secures first match win; Hodge lands first individual victory

Building on the momentum, the Open team recorded its first match victory in Round 4 by defeating Comoros, while also logging its first individual win of the Olympiad. Raheem Hodge (Board 4) secured his first personal victory of the 46th Chess Olympiad, marking the Open team’s first individual win in Samarkand. Shamoy Joseph (Board 3) added a second win to put VI in a strong position. Jhon Samuel (Board 2) held his opponent to a draw, while Maurice Lettsome (Board 1) was unable to convert his advantage. The Women’s team did not register wins in Round 4 but remained focused ahead of Round 5.

In Round 5, both teams found more success on individual boards even as they tackled tough pairings. The Open team took on Jersey, with Shamoy Joseph securing the win on Board 2. The Women’s team faced Myanmar, with Chane-Ann Chin picking up the victory on Board 4.

Seychelles & Vanuatu next

Looking ahead to Round 6, the Open team is scheduled to face Seychelles, while the Women’s team will play Vanuatu as the Olympiad continues through September 27 at the Silk Road EXPO venue.

The 46th Chess Olympiad features a record 208 teams in the Open section and 191 in the Women’s section, making it the world’s premier team chess event.

For the Virgin Islands, the combination of its first match win (Open vs Comoros), first individual win by Hodge, and the Women’s team’s 3–1 triumph over Bermuda represents a significant step forward for the territory on the global stage. With several rounds still to play, Team VI is now positioned to build on these breakthroughs as it continues competition in Samarkand.