Ronnie Nelson Jnr.-Takes Gold at the C.A.C .Chess Festival, Guatemala

Ronnie Nelson Jnr. National Chessist wins Gold at C.A.C. Chess Championship, Guatemala 25th – 29th July, 2007.

Ronnie Nelson known as the Caribbean Chess Tiger, two time National under 8 and 10 Champion represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Central American and Caribbean Games. The shinning star and talented chessist outdo his opponents taking the Gold with a clear six wins and attained the title of Candidate Master, according to FIDE Regulations.

An overview of Ronnie Nelson chess career will show evidence that he was destined for Gold at this young age. He started the game at four years, learning the concept of the game in a short space of two hours. A month later he entered the competitive arena taking an early win at the Y.M.C.A. junior competition hosted by Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association (TTCA). He continued to set a trail of wins at many local competitions, always placing among the top three.

However, at five years Ronnie and his chaperone journeyed to Minnesota, Minneapolis for him to participate at the H.B Global Chess Challenge. He competed among the best in the world. He had the opportunity of meeting seven times International Master,
Josh Waitzkin, Grand Master Maurice Ashley and one of the youngest World’s Grand Master, Nikamura and I.M. Dr. Daaim Shabazz of the Chess Drum. Ronnie was highlighted on the front page of the Star Tribune in Minneapolis after taking two wins against his senior competitors.

Ronnie continued on the International Chess scene securing a name for himself at five years after competiting at the Junior Orange Bowl Scholastic Championship in 2004 taking third place, then in 2005 taking second place and in 2006 first place. He competed at the Miami International Chess Championship in 2006 in the 10 and under securing third place among the top ten.

At the beginning of this year Ronnie competed once again at the National qualifying tournament, winning all seven rounds like he did in 2006 to become the country’s under 8 and 10 National Chess Champion for the second time.

In 2006 he represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Pan American Games in Equador, missing the medal position by one game. He also competed in the C.A.C games in El Salvador gaining a total of five wins, placing sixth place.

At the Pan American Games held this year in Colombia from 1st – 7th July, 2007, Ronnie took five wins, placing among the top twenty out of fifty players in his category.





A sportsman journey is never without struggles. However, Ronnie takes his loses and turns them into wins. He is able to overcome the obstacles that he encounters from time to time with the support of his family.

In an exciting and spectacular end, Trinidad and Tobago Chess Star Ronnie Nelson not only obtain a Candidate Master and Gold at the C.A.C. Champion of Chess but has created history as one of the youngest chessist to bring home Gold for his country at such a prestigious tournament and will always be remembered as the player who took the Gold from the top players from Colombia who had to settle for silver and bronze respectively.

Much thanks to his family, Ronnie Nelson Snr. who is his coach, his aunts, Godmother, Ruskin Mark of N.C.C. channel 4, Jaye-Q Baptiste of Jaye-Q show-C.N.C.3, Robert Dumas of CNMG, Valentino Singh- Guardian, Catholic News, Dr. Daaim Shabazz of the Chess Drum, Mr and Mrs Attong, Mrs Julien and Mr. Jackman. He tributes his Gold to all of you.

More can be read of Ronnie Nelson Jnr. at www.saveourchildrenfoundationtnt.org and www.thechessdrum.net

By Lesley-Ann Nelson
President
Kids Chess Academy
Contact Info. 775-2358
E-mail: lescarmn32@yahoo.com

Trinidad and Tobago at the 18th Pan -Am Chess Festival

We extend warm congratulations to our National Chess team on their wonderful achievements in the tournament.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhgeL-ZINig

Trinidad and Tobago National Chess Champion

Ronnie Nelson continues to set the chess world on fire.His performance at the recent Pan-Am games, at the age of 7 years shows that age is not a component , but strategy, charisma and good sportsmanship are very important attributes .He was able to unleash his attacks , leaving his opponents bewildered, but moreso also learning the art of Losing to win, as stated in Josh Waitzkin book, "The Art Of Learning".

Ronnie Nelson Jnr. and Coach/Dad at Pan -Am Chess Festival

Thumbs up , the rising chess star.

Congratulations -Job well done R.J

http://http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb183/lescarmn/12430045.jpg
At the Pan Am Chess Festival'2007

Ronnie competes at the Pan-Am games in Ecuador

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPLoDkId7TQ.
He was only 6 years, came near to taking home a fide title.However, due to travelling problems he missed the first rounds of the 8 round tournament.But he was able to secure 5 wins , placing him in 4th place.

Ronnie takes the spotlight at Pan -Am Chess Tourney

It was indeed a wonderful tournament. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wLMHgn4-M

Wearing an adoring yellow top, with the words Ecuador .However, this was his top from last year Pan-Am games held in Ecuador in 2007.