…Suhai Feng creating  upsets….
LEARIE Webster has assumed the lead in the Topco Juices National Chess Qualifier with four wins and one draw.
Webster obtained wins against Viddesh Shameer, Raan Motilall, David Khan and Shiv Nandalall, while he drew with Taffin Khan in round two.
Webster is followed closely by Loris Nathoo, David Khan and Suhai Feng who are all on four points each. Feng a junior player who made the bold step to challenge his senior has given a good account for himself thus far, securing three wins and two draws.
Feng first defeated Glenford Corlette in round one then went on to surprise veteran player Michael Pereira in round two.
His success didn’t stop there as he then went on to hold former National Senior Champion Kriskal Persaud and Loris Nathoo to a  draw in round three and four respectively.
The biggest upset thus far came in the fifth round when he defeated veteran player and President of the GCF Errol Tiwari.
In a tense end game with even pawns, Feng with a slight advantage on pawn promotion was able to promote to queen first, thus creating checkmate in two moves, causing Tiwari to resign.
The points standings after five rounds; Learie Webster four and a half, Loris Nathoo, David Khan and Suhai Feng four points each, Taffin Khan and Ron Motilall on three and a half points apiece, Shiv Nandalall, Ryan Singh, Kriskal Persaud, Errol Tiwari and Alexander Duncan all on three points each.
Raan Motilall, Frankie Farley and Michael Pereira on two and a half, while nine other players are tied on two and one points apiece.
The tournament continues today from 18:00 h at the Keishar’s Sports Club.
The tournament is sponsored by DDL under the Topco Juices Brand.