The fight to be crowned this year’s national chess champion is on and the experienced Errol Tiwari is the front-runner.

After three completed rounds Tiwari has the maximum three points and among his victims is none other than defending champion Kriskal Persaud.

When play commenced Saturday last at the Ocean Spray International Hotel in Kitty after the championships were declared open by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony, Tiwari and Persaud registered the only wins in the opening round.
On Sunday at the King’s Plaza Hotel Tiwari defeated Frankie Farley and Persaud to take sole possession of the lead.

The game against Persaud went down to the wire with Tiwari finding himself in a rook versus bishop endgame and with Tiwari having a passed pawn on the kingside, Persaud resigned.
Loris Nathoo occupies the second position with two and one half points.

In the junior category Taffim Khan continued his fine run as he took apart all his  opponents to remain unbeaten on three points.

He is closely pursued by Saeed Ali, Cecil Cox and Rashad Hussain on two points each.
Play continues this weekend at the same two venues with another three rounds of the double round robin tournament.