The small Caribbean nation of Dominica has etched a new milestone into its emerging athletic history, after homegrown chess player Shermel Timothy claimed the coveted Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This groundbreaking win marks the first time any Dominican player has earned this international title, cementing Timothy’s place as a trailblazer for the country’s growing chess community.
To secure the accolade, Timothy delivered a standout performance across 10 rounds of competitive play at the prestigious global tournament, finishing with a strong total score of 5.5 points, enough to meet the qualification requirements for the FIDE WCM title.
Officials from the Dominica Chess Federation have publicly celebrated Timothy’s historic achievement, praising the years of relentless dedication, consistent hard work and unwavering persistence that allowed her to reach this international standard. In a statement following the announcement of her title, the federation emphasized that Timothy’s success is a direct reflection of the benefits that come with sustained commitment to elite chess competition.
Beyond marking a personal victory for Timothy, the milestone is widely viewed as a turning point for the development of chess across Dominica. Federation leaders expect her breakthrough on the global stage will encourage a new generation of young Dominican chess enthusiasts to pursue the sport, hone their skills, and aim for competitive success at the highest international levels.