Yasmin Flanagan Wins Women’s Chess Title

Yasmin Flanagan claimed the title of Bermuda’s first-ever Women’s Chess Champion with a perfect 6‑win performance.

A spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to announce Yasmin Flanagan as the inaugural Bermuda Women’s Chess Champion, after an outstanding weekend performance with a perfect score of 6 wins out of 6 games. This historic event marked the first-ever all-female chess tournament held in Bermuda, showcasing the growing talent and enthusiasm for chess among women on the island.

“The tournament, hosted at Warwick Academy over the weekend of November 15th and 16th, featured eight talented players competing across two days of intense and exciting matches. Among the participants were four educators who attended the Chess in Education seminar held in Bermuda this March 2025, highlighting the strong connection between education and the development of chess skills in the community.

“In addition, the tournament included two promising junior players from Warwick Academy — Francesca Cressall-Haycock and Ava Swart — both of whom delivered impressive wins, demonstrating the bright future of Bermuda’s youth in the game.

“Most of the participants—seven out of eight—have been actively involved in the FIDE Queen’s Gambit Challenge online chess lessons throughout 2025, many of them benefiting from coaching sessions led by Jamaican International Master Jomo Pitterson. This support has played a significant role in elevating local talent and fostering competitive growth among Bermuda’s female chess players.

“Final standings saw Yasmin Flanagan crowned champion with a perfect 6-win score, followed by Olga Gontcharova with 4 points from 6 games, and Daisha Payne securing third place with 3.5 points from 6 games. These remarkable performances not only highlight individual talent but also underline the promising future of women’s chess in Bermuda.

“Looking ahead, several of these talented players will have the opportunity to represent Bermuda at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September 2026, a milestone that promises to elevate Bermuda’s presence on the international chess stage.

“The Bermuda Chess Association expressed their excitement about the progress of women’s chess on the island and conveyed their gratitude for the opportunities created through the Chess in Education program and the Queen’s Gambit Challenge. These initiatives have been instrumental in nurturing local talent and expanding the reach of chess among Bermudians.

“As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to seeing more female players get involved and thrive in Bermuda’s chess community. The future of women’s chess on the island is bright, and we are eager to witness its continued growth and success.”

Bermuda Women’s Chess Championship 2025 final standings:

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