The Bahamas Chess Federation recently hosted the 2026 Bahamas National Chess Championship from January 23rd to February 1st at Boost Academy. The championship brought together ten of the nation’s strongest players to compete in a nine-round round-robin tournament for the coveted title of Bahamas National Chess Champion.

CM Kendrick Knowles emerged victorious with 6.5 points, securing his sixth national championship title and earning an automatic place on the Bahamas Open Team for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan this September. 

Phillip Hanna made a strong return to competitive play, also scoring 6.5 points and finishing second overall on tiebreak. WCM Chika Pride, the only female participant, scored 6.5 points and placed third on tiebreak, continuing her rise as one of the country’s promising talents following her recent fourth-place finish at the 2025 CAC Youth Chess Festival.

Former National Champion 2025 FM Cecil Moncur placed fourth overall with six points, while 2024 National Champion Avian Pride finished fifth overall with 5.5 points. The Bahamas Chess Federation also recognizes Sohan Umesh, Kenville Lockhart, Curtis Pride Jr., William Davis, and Bharath Nair for their participation and contribution to a highly competitive championship field.

The Federation extends sincere thanks to Boost Academy for hosting the tournament and supporting the development of chess in The Bahamas, and to Chief Arbiter IA Andre White and NA David Sands for ensuring fair play and professionalism throughout the championship.

Full results are available on Chess-Results: Chess-Results Server Chess-results.com – Bahamas National Chess Championship 20

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