University of Guyana law student Andre Jagnandan, 19, is one of the contenders for the title of National Junior Chess Champion. The Championship, which is being contested at the National Racquet Centre and ends today, also has Ghansham Allijohn and Rajiv Lee in contention for the win. Each of these juniors has accumulated the maximum two points from their two games.
In every country of the world where competitive chess is played, the National Junior Chess Championship is a prestigious endeavour. It is no different in Guyana. Jagnandan has won two tournaments for 2019 and therefore became the favourite to win the Junior’s. In the current tournament, Jagnandan has already eclipsed the 2017 junior champ Joshua Gopaul.
The lone female in the Championship, Chelsea Juma, is on half a point following her loss to Queen’s College student Rajiv Lee and her draw against Ethan Lee. (A win = 1 point, a draw = 1/2 a point and a loss = 0).
Regrettably, Gopaul lost both of his encounters last weekend and his chances for retaining the title have effectually been diminished. Allijohn has been noted for his solidity of play. He succeeded in defeating Jarrell Troyer and his clubmate at St Stanislaus, Jaden Taylor. As mentioned before, he is in contention for the top prize, although Jagnandan had beaten him in a previous tournament. Rajiv Lee, the other contender, overcame Juma and Jaden Taylor. At the time of writing, two rounds had successfully been completed with five to go. The winner will emerge today.
