Two dozen chess players are fighting to gain a place in the National Championship. Among the competitors are some juniors who recently played their national championship tournament. The third and fourth rounds of the tournament will be played today at the Kei-Shar’s Sports Club.
With only two rounds gone, it is much too early to predict a winner.
Kriskal Persaud seems to be in good form as he has scored two victories in his two games. He defeated one of the tournament favourites – Shiv Nandalall. Taffin Khan was held to a draw by Learie Webster, while Loris Nathoo agreed to a draw with his younger opponent, Raan Motilall.
The quality of the games being played so far is fair, and the ones I have looked at follow some latest chess theory. The juniors are to be commended for deciding to compete with their senior and more advanced opponents. If a few should qualify from their midst , it would signal a new developmental phase for chess in Guyana. The promotion of chess in schools has been emphasised over and over again by Dr Frank Anthony. His vision is for the game to be popularized in all of the regions. We will wait and see what happens at the conclusion of this tournament.