The Guyana Chess Federation will make the first move towards resuming competitive chess locally when it stages a seven round Swiss system tournament at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Thomas Lands venue on Sunday.

According to tournament director, Irshad Mohammed, the Demerara Distillery Limited (DDL), Topco-brand sponsored Mashramani tournament will be played two weeks apart.

The first four rounds will be contested on Sunday and the final three rounds on March 1 at the same venue.

According to Mohamed, a two-hour time control will be used for each game and the tournament will be played in the senior and junior categories.

Registration for the tournament will take place at 9:30am with a prompt 10am start expected. Fees to be paid will vary according to whether persons are members of the GCF. Members in the junior and senior category will play $300 while non members in the senior category will pay $800 and in the junior category $600.

Meanwhile, the GCF is urging all members to come forward and pay their association dues for 2009. Additionally, persons needing information about the GCF can call Mohamed on 664-1650 or email guyanachessfederation@ hotmail.com. (Ravindra Kishore)