Berbician Narain among the leaders

Hemchan Narain of the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School in Berbice is one of three players who lead the individual category of the annual schools’ chess competition which got underway yesterday morning at the Providence National Stadium.

Narain shares the lead with Queen’s College’s Bobby Samuels and Davion Mars of St. Stanislaus College.

All three players are on three points.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony makes a move with the white pieces against former national junior chess champion Cecil Cox of Queen’s College to declare open the fourth annual national schools’ chess tournament.

In the schools’ category, Mae’s with three points lead the points standings followed by Queen’s College and West Demerara Secondary who are tied on two and one half points each.

They are followed by Marian Academy, Mackenzie High, Bishops’ High and Diamond Secondary School who are all on two points each.

Over 70 chess players from 16 schools are vying for championship honours at the two-day event.

The competition was declared open yesterday by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Anthony told the young chess players that the game would be a useful strategic tool as they go through life.

President of the GCF Shiv Nandalall emphasized to the participants that they belong to a special group and described them as winners in their own respect by representing their school.

The annual tournament is in its fourth year.