Despite one loss to seasoned junior player Anthony Drayton, Maria Thomas prevailed over the other players to win the senior category of the TOPCO Independence Anniversary one-day Rapid Chess Tournament on Sunday at the KEI-SHAR’S Sports Club.
University of Guyana student Glenford Corlette was second, sealing off the remaining podium spot among the seniors. Several prizes were awarded to junior players, including beginners who participated for the first time in the tournament which was conducted by the Guyana Chess Federation.
National Junior Champion Haifeng Su of Queen’s College won the category with no loss but drew his matches with fellow junior Saeed Ali and senior player Alexander Duncan.
Government Technical Institute student and frequent tournament participant Anthony Drayton was second and Winston Williams of Diamond Secondary secured third place.
Three students from Marian Academy were awarded the remaining junior prizes. The Best Beginner Medal went to Jeremy Sauers, 13-years-old and 12-year-old Travis Whitehead was the second best beginner.
Nine-year-old Ethan Lee was the best Under Ten chess player. The points standings for the seniors from seven games read: Maria Thomas 6, Glenford Corlette 5, Irshad Mohamad 5, Alexander Duncan 4.5 and Alex Joseph 4. Among the juniors the scores were: Haifeng Su 6 points, Anthony Drayton 5, Winston Williams 5 and Saeed Ali 4.5 points. Avinash Kishun, Roberto Neto, Daryll Calistro and Ryan Mckay chalked up 4 apiece. Shane Singh, Khalid Gobin, Ethan Lee, Jeremy Sauers, Travis Whitehead and Sheriffa Ali earned three points each. The remaining seven juniors scored 2.5 points each or less. One point is given for a win; a draw is half a point. The tournament attracted 26 chess players. The cash prizes and medals were presented by DDL Sales Manager Alexis Langhorne who urged the players to get more of their friends and relatives involved in the game.
Shiv Nandalall, President of the Guyana Chess Federation advised the participants to continue practicing since tournaments are being organized regularly by the local body.
For more information please contact Shiv Nandalall on 623-7723 or 225-8270
