Chess with Errol

Drayton, Khan evenly placed to win championship

Anthony Drayton (left) and Taffin Khan during a previous encounter. The clash between the two could well determine a new national chess champion. If they play to a draw, and each has the identical number of points, the tie-break system would specify the winner.  
Anthony Drayton (left) and Taffin Khan during a previous encounter. The clash between the two could well determine a new national chess champion. If they play to a draw, and each has the identical number of points, the tie-break system would specify the winner.  
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Following the conclusion of the first three rounds of the 2019 National Chess Championship, there are two leaders with the maximum three points (a win = 1 point; a draw = ½ a point; a loss = 0 point).

Sharing the lead are Taffin Khan and Anthony Drayton. The championship is being contested at the Racquet Centre in Woolford Avenue without the participation of former national champion Wendell Meusa who took a decision not to play.

Loris Nathoo, the number three player in the National Championship points standing, could create a stir if he gets closer to those at the top. Nathoo played three beautiful games against Saeed Ali, Shiv Nandalall and Roberto Neto. Against Nandalall he possessed a knight perched on g5 that could not be dislocated except with the loss of material. Against Neto, he succeeded in defending an isolated pawn with his king and a knight until he exchanged it and equalised the endgame position.

Both Khan and Drayton defeated their opponents with ease, hence their individual clash is an anticipated one. A win for either player may well decide the winner of the championship. 

Loris Nathoo is in third place with 2½ points following a draw with Roberto Neto. Next is Shiv Nandalall, followed by Neto, Kriskal Persaud and Saeed Ali. The Championship boasts seven participants in the absence of the former national champion.

The Guyana Chess Federation was gracious enough to pair Meusa as if he is participating in the competition. When he does not turn up for the round, his opponent gets a bye. In a round-robin competition, the byes are evenly distributed. The championship ends today. 

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