FIDE Master, Anthony Drayton stormed to the vacant National Chess Championships in an undefeated run while Women’s FIDE Master, Maria Varona-Thomas is unbeaten after three rounds of the women’s division when the tournament continued at the National Resource Center, Woolford Avenue on Sunday.
Drayton, 24, playing in the seven-round, Swiss system tournament, secured the title by the sixth round.
Candidate Master Taffin Khan (1950 FIDE rating), who lost to Drayton, won his final round encounter defeating Sivnanand Nandalall (1720 FIDE rating).
After the final round late in the evening, Drayton explained, “It always feels good to come out on top especially when you know you did your best and tried your best, your hard work pays off.”
He added that he is hopeful of defending the title next year with more competition.
Loris Nathoo, who was defeated by Drayton in the final round settled for 3.5 points while Nandall (3.0 points), Kriskal Persaud (2.5 points), Roberto Neto (2.5 points), Saeed Ali (1.5 points) rounded off the men’s division.
The title was left vacant after Candidate Master, Wendell Meusa, opted not to participate in the tournament or any tournament organized by the Guyana Chess Federation until the body holds elections, which was constitutionally due since 2018.
Drayton expressed his disappointment with the former champion not defending his title, stating, “I’m a little annoyed at that [Meusa not playing], I really wanted to win the title with him playing so I’m somewhat disappointed but the level of competition is always stiff but without Mr. Meusa in its not how it supposed to be.”
The newly crowned champion was adamant about winning the title with Meusa involved, pointing out that if possible, he would be willing to “put up the title against Meusa in an 11 or nine-round match.”
Nevertheless, Drayton was upbeat about making personal improvements in his FIDE ratings, which currently stands at 2007, the highest in Guyana, setting his goal to reach International Master rank.
My preparation will be strictly improving my knowledge of chess so I could one day win the title of International Master and get my rating over 3200 for this year.
“I will be hoping to get over 2100 going to the Olympiad, 2200 should be able to get me another title.
Meanwhile, in the female category, Varona-Thomas maintained her lead using her vast experience to get past teenager, Chelsea Juma in the third round. Varona-Thomas leads with three points which includes a walk over from Aneesa Hussain (school commitments).
She is trailed by Nellisha Johnson and Juma, both with one loss against Varona-Thomas as well as Sasha Sharif who lost to Samirah Gobin.
Gobin and Angel Rahim are on 1.5 points, having played to a draw while Waveney Johnson and Hussain are yet to get on the board. The fourth round will continue on Saturday at the same venue from 10.00 hours.
