PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — Punta Cana successfully hosted the Americas leg of the WR Women’s Chess Tour 2026, bringing together some of the world’s top female chess players for one of the most prestigious competitions on the international women’s chess calendar.
Held at the Eden Roc Cap Cana resort, the tournament featured elite competitors representing the United States, Peru, Argentina, Panama, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and the Dominican Republic. The event concluded with a total prize purse of US$40,000 awarded across the Rapid and Blitz categories, further strengthening Punta Cana’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting high-profile international sporting events.
American Grandmaster Carissa Yip claimed the tournament title after finishing with 15 points, tying with FIDE representative Leya Garifullina. Yip secured first place based on the tournament’s tiebreak criteria, while Garifullina finished as runner-up. American player Alice Lee completed the podium with 13 points after a strong performance throughout the competition.
Peruvian Grandmaster Deysi Cori placed fourth with 10 points, followed by Megan Althea Paragua of the United States with seven points. Argentina’s Carolina Luján, Panama’s Ashley Alexandra Castillo Beitia, and Dominican representative Patricia Evarista Castillo Peña each concluded the tournament with four points.
The Dominican Republic was represented by FIDE Master Patricia Evarista Castillo Peña, a two-time national champion who competed against several of the strongest female players in the Americas, highlighting the continued growth of Dominican chess on the international stage.
During the closing ceremony, Braulio Ramírez, Executive Director of the Dominican Chess Federation (FDA), emphasized the significance of hosting the tournament in the country, noting that international events of this caliber contribute to the development of women’s chess while positioning the Dominican Republic as an emerging center for competitive chess in the Caribbean and Latin America.
With their outstanding performances, Carissa Yip and Leya Garifullina secured direct qualification for the WR Women’s Chess Tour 2026 Grand Final, scheduled to take place later this year.
The successful organization of the tournament also reinforced Punta Cana’s growing role as a venue for international sports competitions, complementing its global reputation as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations for tourism, business events, and world-class athletic competitions.
