One of the prerogatives of age to a discerning eye is you understand people better. You understand human relations, politics and even foreign policy better. In chess, I believe it’s the other way around. The young are the kings and queens of chess. If I am wrong, try to explain Kasparov’s victory in a world championship match at age 22, and teenagers qualifying for a grandmaster title. Chess is a young people’s game.
In Guyana, the current crop of juniors playing the royal game are formidable. One teenage girl, I understand, has abandoned an overseas based training programme, suggesting it was moving too slowly for her. I commend and admire her firmness of purpose. That is how champions are raised.
In the recent GAICO Grand Prix Tournament, Sasha Shariff amassed five points from eight games playing against most of the finest players in Guyana. Obviously, she captured the Best Female prize in the tournament. Pooja Lam wasn’t far behind in points. She experienced a few credits to her name when managing some difficult opponents.
Taffin Khan took the tournament and the GAICO first prize followed by Loris Nathoo and Anthony Drayton. Nathoo played undefeated to earn his second place. Meanwhile, the qualifiers for the National and Women’s Championships began yesterday. Both are tough tournaments.
