Macatuggal and Derby Claim 2026 Cayman Rapid Chess Titles

With a dominant 7.5/9 finish, Edilberto ‘Jhay’ Macatuggal secured the 2026 Cayman Islands Rapid Chess championship at Red Bay Primary School this month. The tournament solidified new leadership in the national circuit while confirming the staying power of reigning titleholders in the junior and female categories.

Macatuggal clinched his national title with a round to spare, outpacing former rapid champion Ryan Blackwood, who took silver. Mike McDonald, the current classical national champion, rounded out the podium with bronze. In the women’s division, Aalyah Derby emerged as the national rapid champion, finishing ahead of Anvita Niranjan Patil and Abbie McClenaghan.

The junior category saw a successful defense of the 2025 title by Dez Graham of John Gray High School, followed by Arty Clark and Luc Sinton. Rating-based awards recognized Kylen McLean as the top player under 1500, with Ellina Seren earning the corresponding female prize. Federation organizers Fayad Majid and Malcolm Powell managed the event, which now pivots toward the upcoming National Blitz Championship scheduled for April 26.