The National Open Chess Qualifier, sponsored by Ram and McRae, got underway at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, at the weekend.
The eight-round tournament will take place over four days.
The qualifier has attracted 40 chess players of all ages who are vying for the chance to advance to the National Open Chess Championship to begin soon after.
Candidate Master and former national champion Taffin Khan leads the way with four points, winning all his games against teenager Isa Bremner, veteran chess player Errol Tiwari, Ethan Lee and Justino DaSilva.
Khan’s most challenging game so far was his fourth-round match against DaSilva, who had a distinct advantage against Khan with a pawn up.
However, Khan’s mastery of the end-game, coupled with DaSilva’s time constraints, allowed Khan to create a passed-pawn and secure the win.
Roberto Neto, another seasoned player, also has a perfect score after defeating Kaija Clement, Sahid Bahadur, Alex Benjamin and Rashad Hussain.
Noteworthy is 13-year-old Sachin Pitamber, currently in the third position with 3.5 points, gaining points after a walk-over in the first round, a draw with National Junior Champion Keron Sandiford, and victories against fellow teens Najeeb Mohamed and long-time player Saeed Ali.
On three points are Justino DaSilva, Ethan Lee, Gilbert Williams, Rashad Hussain, Alex Benjamin, and Errol Tiwari.
Rounds five to eight will be played on November 18 and 19 at the National Stadium.
Chief Arbiter for the tournament is FIDE Certified Arbiter John Lee, assisted by FIDE Arbiter Anand Raghunauth and former Junior Champion Ricardo Narine. The top 12 boards are being live-streamed on view.livechesscloud.com.
The Guyana Chess Federation is pleased to host this annual prestigious tournament as this makes way for the 2023 National Chess Champion.
This event is the first of eight tournaments which are part of the qualification system for the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in September 2024 in Budapest, Hungary.
“This qualification system, devised by the Guyana Chess Federation, is designed to be rigorous, fair, and transparent, ensuring that consistently high-performing chess players have the best chance to earn a spot on the Open and Women’s team,” the Federation said in a press release.
“The GCF wishes to thank Ram and McRae, especially Managing Partner, Mr. Christopher Ram, for their kind and timely sponsorship towards chess in Guyana. The federation also wishes to thank the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for the use of the Guyana National Stadium. Interested persons who wish to join the federation can visit the website guyanachess.gy.”
