PARAMARIBO, Suriname — Suriname is preparing for a major international sporting challenge as 14 of the country's leading draughts players compete at the Tobago Open 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The tournament begins September 9 and runs through September 18, bringing together approximately 70 competitors from 18 countries. Around 40 participants hold international titles.

Suriname's delegation is led by national champion MF Gerson Bendt, alongside national runner-up MF Arwien Bhagwandas and former national champion GMI Guno Burleson.

The team also includes several other internationally titled players, giving Suriname a particularly strong presence at the competition. The tournament offers the Surinamese players an opportunity to gain valuable international experience while competing for a high finish.

The Tobago Open features a US$45,000 total prize pool and an impressive international field. Dutch world champion Jan Groenendijk, women's world champion Viktoriia Motrichko and former world champions Alexander Shvartsman and Guntis Valneris are among the notable competitors.

Suriname's strong representation is expected to put the country's draughts talent firmly in the spotlight during the international tournament.