National draughts player, Treasure Haynes, cruised to victory in the first primary schools tournament hosted by the T&T Draughts Checkers Association on Saturday at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.
Over 100 primary schools were represented at the tournament, with a total of 209 students (93 girls and 116 boys) participating. Scores of spectators from all over the country turned out to the support their respective schools. The stadium was filled with cheers and screams from teachers, principals and students. Dignitaries such as former president of the NAAA, Ken Doldron, marketing manager of blink/bmobile, Jervon Abraham and draughts ambassador for the city of Port-of-Spain, Murchison Brown, also attended the event.
Coaches had 15 minutes to brief the players on playing strategies and tips on how to use every second of their time wisely. Only the best-of-the-best could have withstood the mentally-demanding six-hour tourney. Parents could not even face the board as their hearts pounded with anxiety in hopes that their child would emerge the winner. Haynes, who was a tournament favourite from the beginning, proudly represented D’abadie Government as she easily won the tournament. St Finbars Girls’ RC student, Aleyah Ali, took second followed by Elana Panchoo of Felicity Hindu School. All winners received cash, trophies, medals and cellphones.
In the boys, the draughts was more mind-blowing with the north and east players battling the Point Fortin School, led by the Renaldo Mapp. This quiet-looking form five student was the one to watch as his games played very well, earning him the first place spot in the end. Second place went to Trent Harley of Nelson Street Boys, followed by national under-19 player, Cameron William, of Pine Haven SDA. No one was left empty-handed for their hard work, as all participants received medals and a draughts board complete with pieces.
RESULTS
Girls:
1st — Treasure Haynes (D’Abadie Government)
2nd — Aleyah Ali (St Finbar’s Girls RC)
3rd — Elana Panchoo (Felicity Hindu School)
4th — Osamia McDowald (Bethlehem Girls RC)
5th — Ariel Richardson (Tunapuna Presbyterian)
Boys:
1st — Renaldo Mapp (Point Fortin School)
2nd — Trent Harley (Nelson Street Boys)
3rd — Cameron William (Pine Haven SDA)
4th — Nathaniel Ali (Arima Boys Government)
5th — Elijah Letren (Santa Rosa Government)
1st — Treasure Haynes (D’Abadie Government)
2nd — Aleyah Ali (St Finbar’s Girls RC)
3rd — Elana Panchoo (Felicity Hindu School)
4th — Osamia McDowald (Bethlehem Girls RC)
5th — Ariel Richardson (Tunapuna Presbyterian)
Source: www.guardian.co.tt