Gabriel Davidson and Rose Berline Seine crowned Haitian Champions
CM Gabriel Davidson and WCM Rose Berline Seine won the 2025 Haitian National Chess Championship, marking a major success for chess in Haiti.
Despite a difficult national situation, the Haitian Chess Federation (FHE) successfully organized the championship. The event highlighted continuity, training, and talent development in Haitian chess.
The tournament was held from December 20 to 28, 2025. It featured Open and Women’s sections, with 12 players in each category. Players qualified through national elimination events and represented different cities and chess clubs across Haiti. Both tournaments were played in round-robin format with classical time controls.
The top five players from each section earned qualification to represent Haiti at the 46th Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The opening ceremony and early rounds took place at Hôtel Montana. Later, the event moved to Villa Saint-Viateur, providing players with secure accommodation and ideal conditions for rest and preparation.
Open Section: Davidson stands alone
CM Gabriel Davidson produced a commanding performance in the Open section. Representing Le Pion Chess Club, he scored an impressive 9.5 points out of 11. He remained undefeated, conceding only three draws throughout the tournament.
Players qualified for Haiti’s Open national team:
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CM Gabriel Davidson – Tour du Roi
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FM Jean-Louis Marckens – CAVINT
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FM Etienne Angelo – GHA Chess Club
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CM Kemly Germinal – Tour du Roi
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Victor Wyclef – CAMACE
The return of Jean-Louis Marckens and Kemly Germinal to the top five confirmed the strength and stability of Haiti’s elite chess level.
Women’s Section: Seine dominates completely
In the Women’s section, Rose Berline Seine delivered a flawless performance. Playing for Le Pion Chess Club, she won all 11 games and secured the title with one round to spare.
Players qualified for Haiti’s Women’s national team:
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WCM Mérisena Cadeau – Inyon
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Davena Jonet – GHA Chess Club
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WCM Kineberlie Dunat – ENLA
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Valencia Jean-François – GHA Chess Club
Her perfect score highlighted her dominance and consistency throughout the event.
Strong organization and support
The championship was overseen by the FHE Executive Committee, led by President Jacky Lumarque. Technical and operational management was handled by Jacques Muller Luxama, Joël Bernard, Sabrina Jean-Baptiste, and Jonathan Lafontaine. Their combined efforts ensured the smooth running of the event.
The FHE expressed sincere thanks to its institutional and private partners, including the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), Office of the Prime Minister, Groupe Capital, ENLA, Université Quisqueya, AAFDS, and Sakala.
Special appreciation was also extended to the media, photographers, graphic designers, Chess.com, volunteers, and supporters. Particular recognition went to Tessa Maximilien, Karl Philippe Alexis, and Sybille Alexis for their continued contribution.
Photos: Federation Haitienne des Echecs, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
