The Guyana Chess Federation’s (GCF) Vita Malt-Plus Senior Championships is hosting its first match on Saturday and is expected to feature eight of the nation’s leading players including three-time defending champion Taffin Khan.
Khan will be battling for supremacy in a single round robin tournament set for the Ocean Spray Hotel in Stanley Place, Kitty.
In a brief address at the official launch of the tournament on Wednesday, at Banks DIH, GCF President Shiv Nandalall thanked the beverage giant for its support, noting that sponsorship is significant for the growth of chess since it was revitalised about six years ago.
In response, Banks DIH, Communications Manager Troy Peters said it is an honour for the company to sponsor the National Chess Championship this year.
“Banks DIH Limited has sponsored tournaments in Berbice, Linden, West Demerara and Georgetown as we partner with the GCF in promoting the game locally. Vita Malt Plus has the right ingredients for athletes and we look forward to the chess players utilizing Vita Malt Plus as they seek excellence in the championships,” he said.
Players such as Anthony Drayton, Wendell Meusa, Davion Mars, Roberto Neto, Errol Tiwari, Glenford Corlette and Neil Khan are hoping to challenge Taffin Khan’s reign. Each encounter is set for 90 minutes and each player will be allowed 30 seconds per move.
The tournament will conclude on Sunday, December 8 at the same venue.
