The highly anticipated 2026 Tobago Open international draughts tournament, set to kick off on September 9 and run through September 18 in Trinidad and Tobago, will feature one of its largest regional delegations in recent years from Suriname. The South American nation is sending a 14-player squad packed with title-holding talent, headlined by current Suriname national champion and Federation Master (MF) Gerson Bendt. Joining Bendt in the competitive lineup are national runner-up MF Arwien Bhagwandas and former national champion Grand Master International (GMI) Guno Burleson, alongside a roster of experienced and rising players that includes MF Niaaz Salarbaks, Phavan Basdewsing, MF Arief Salarbaks, MF Santosh Bhagwandas, candidate Federation Master (cMF) Debipersad Sharvan, MF Stanley Moetoer, MF Rinaldo Kemnaad, MF Marcel Oostburg, Cliff Karijdrono, and Ramanand Gangaram Panday. In total, Suriname’s delegation boasts eight Federation Masters, one International Grand Master, one candidate Federation Master, and four untitled emerging competitors.
With a total prize pool of $45,000 USD up for grabs, the 2026 Tobago Open has drawn a stacked global field of elite draughts talent from around the world. Leading the pack of international contenders is current world champion Jan Groenendijk of the Netherlands, who will be joined by his compatriots Jitse Slump and Grand Master Martijn van IJzendoorn — a top player who shares Surinamese heritage. The tournament also welcomes women’s world champion Viktoriia Motrichko, as well as decorated former world champions Alexander Shvartsman and Guntis Valneris, alongside a host of strong contenders from across the Pan-American region.
Tournament organizers project a final participant count of roughly 70 players hailing from 18 different countries, with approximately 40 of those competitors holding official international draughts titles. For Suriname’s squad, the Tobago Open represents far more than a shot at a top tournament finish. It offers a rare, valuable opportunity for the nation’s players — both seasoned champions and up-and-coming talent — to gain high-stakes international match experience competing against some of the strongest draughts athletes on the planet, helping to grow the sport’s profile and competitive standing in Suriname for years to come.