The intensive Gaico Construction chess competition ends today at the National Resource Centre with West Demerara’s Taffin Khan set to capture the first prize and the prime 20 Grand Prix points.
Khan is unbeaten after five rounds in the second Grand Prix competition. There are six Grand Prix events during the 2019-2020 cycle for which points would be awarded. The three highest scores per individual would be chosen for the selection process of the 2020 Olympiad chess team. Wendell Meusa won the first Grand Prix and the maximum 20 points, but he did not participate in the current competition. That’s the point. The strongest of our players do not have to compete in each Grand Prix competition. This is so because only the three highest scores will be used for the selection of the Olympiad team.
With two rounds remaining in the current competition, it seems unlikely that anyone would be able to stop Khan. Since the beginning of the prestigious Grand Prix series, a pattern for selection of the Olympiad team is establishing itself. Khan lost to Meusa in the previous Grand Prix encounter and since then he has been annihilating every opponent who comes his way.
We have not seen FIDE Master Anthony Drayton in action yet. His selection as a Guyana representative for the 2020 Olympiad is assured, however, because he is the 2019 national chess champion, and the World Chess Federation’s highest ranked local player. It stands to reason, therefore, that if local players desire to get ahead in chess, they must find a way to beat Drayton, Meusa and Khan. Such is our urgent task. Naturally, it can be done. It was done in other countries. And herein lies the intent of the Grand Prix extravaganza. The series was created to provide regular practice and training for amateur and seasoned players. And the notable award of points seems to be the catch. The more points you collect, the higher would be your FIDE classification. And the better your chances would be of representing Guyana at international events.
We anticipate a Grand Prix clash with Drayton, Meusa, Khan, Loris Nathoo, Ronuel Greenidge, Shiv Nandalall, Davion Mars and Glenford Corlette. Corlette was the only player to have drawn with Meusa in the previous Grand Prix competition. Ethan Lee is an upcoming star also. He defeated Nandalall on Thursday evening. Roberto Neto is another one to watch. He represented Guyana at the 2016 Olympiad. The future of Guyana’s chess is bright.
