The final chapter of the progressive Gaico Construction Grand Prix chess tournament ends today at the National Stadium, Providence. Leading the tournament after three rounds are West Demerara’s Taffin Khan and UG’s Ronuel Greenidge, who have accumulated the perfect three points. Both players represented Guyana at the Chess Olympiad previously.
When the tournament concludes today, it would be determined who have been the top achievers of the Grand Prix points. The principal contenders are Khan, Wendell Meusa, Anthony Drayton, Loris Nathoo, Greenidge, Davion Mars and Glenford Corlette. They are some of the seasoned players and they are avidly pursuing Olympiad selection.
However, two of the more influential tournaments for Grand Prix points are yet to come. As early as the first quarter of 2020, the qualifier for participation in the National Chess Championship will take place. The qualifier promises to be one of the strongest in recent times, only to be surpassed by the National Championship itself. It is my understanding that in both tournaments, the Grand Prix points would be substantively increased to demonstrate their importance. The persons with the most Grand Prix points would qualify to represent Guyana.
Meanwhile, a junior chess tournament is happening alongside the Gaico one, showcasing some of our most competent youths. They are Ethan Lee, Jaden Taylor, Chelsea Juma and Nellisha Johnson. Juma and Johnson should do well in the Women’s Championship next year. If they do, they are both headed for the Olympiad.
