International Master Anthony Drayton continued his fine showing at the Chess Olympiad by upsetting his much higher ranked opponent as the Guyana men’s team went down to Andorra yesterday.
Drayton, FIDE ranked 1928, playing with the white pieces, defeated Jordi Fluvia FIDE ranked 2451 in what was to be the men’s team’s only success.
In a brilliant bit of attacking chess Drayton sacrificed a Knight on move 21 and later forced Fluvia’s resignation, one move away from checkmate in a Queen, Bishop and five pawns for Drayton against a Queen, Rook and four pawns for Fluvia endgame.
The win by Drayton placed the Guyana Open team in 94th position at the end of the first day.
However, the other three male players all went under yesterday.
Tafin Khan FIDE rated 2019 playing black on board one, lost to Lance Henderson 2490, Loris Nathoo, FIDE rated 1695, also playing black lost against Josep Ribera 2228, while Roberto Neto, FIDE rated 1663 lost with the white pieces to Serni Ribera 2203.
The women also lost their opening round match to Mexico 0-4.
Pooja Lam, FIDE rated 1163, playing on board one with the black pieces, resigned after 31 moves to Alejandra Guerrero FIDE rated 2006.
Sasha Shariff FIDE rated 1183, playing with the white pieces resigned after 43 moves against Sandra Guillen FIDE rated 1962.In a King and Pawn endgame, Guillen had a two extra connected passed pawns.
On board three, Ameyalli Avila FIDE rated 1907 defeated Nellisha Johnson (black pieces) FIDE rated 1093 and Jessica Callender FIDE rated 1295, lost with the white pieces to Paula Hernandez FIDE rated 1751.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of India Namenda Mode and
the Minister of Sports Minister Anural Thakur.
The first ever FIDE Chess Olympiad torch relay saw Viswanathan Anand, India’s former World Champion, taking the torch to its final destination at the opening ceremony.
Guyana’s flag was carried by Pooja Lam and Roberto Neto.
