By Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
SQUASH
Mashramani celebrations continued on the court this week as the Guyana Squash Association opened its 2026 Mashramani Handicap Tournament at the National Racket Centre in Georgetown.
The unique format places elite and rising players in direct competition, with stronger athletes starting at a points disadvantage, creating level and highly competitive matchups.
Play resumes daily from 5:30 p.m., with the tournament set to conclude on March 1.
CHESS
In chess, precision was the order of the day as the Guyana Chess Federation, in collaboration with the Gambit Group, hosted its 2026 Mashramani Open Blitz Tournament at the School of the Nations.
FIDE Master Rawle Allicock delivered a flawless performance, scoring a perfect nine points to take the title.
Keron Sandiford finished second with eight points, while FIDE Master Anthony Drayton secured third.
The event also highlighted youth and female participation, with 15-year-old Montes De Oca earning Best Female honours and multiple junior categories awarded.
GOLF
On the fairways, competition teed off at the Lusignan Golf Course during the Romel Bhagwandin 2026 Pre-Mashramani Golf Tournament.
Patanjilee Persaud led the field of 55 players, capturing Best Gross honours and the 10–18 flight, while Mohanlall Dindanauth claimed the top spot in the 0–9 flight.
Special awards on the day included Longest Drive, Nearest to the Pin, and Most Honest Player, as golfers wrapped up one of the season’s key lead-up events to Mashramani.
FOOTBALL
Turning to football, Guyana suffered a narrow setback in the CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers, falling 3–2 to Curaçao at the Jean Francisca Regional Stadium.
Goals from Bryan Wharton and Reiss Elliot-Parris kept Guyana competitive throughout, but Curaçao held on to secure the win.
Guyana now turns its focus to a crucial clash against Anguilla on Saturday, with qualification hopes still firmly in play.
CRICKET
And finally, in local cricket, Malteenoes Sports Club edged the Bartica Night Riders in a 40-over encounter at the Malteenoes Ground.
Bartica were dismissed for 143, with Ronaldo Jeffrey top-scoring.
In reply, Malteenoes reached their target thanks to an aggressive 45 from Jonte Thomas, sealing a four-wicket victory.
