SEVENTEEN-year-old Taffin Khan became the youngest national chess champion, when he defeated former national champion (2007-2008) Kriskal Persaud in the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF)-organised Neal and Massy/Seven Seas-sponsored national chess championship playoff Wednesday evening at the Keishar’s Sports Club. The young aspiring teenager demolished his rival in just four games reaching three and a half points to half-point.
In the first 20 minutes rapid game, Khan seized the opportunity when Persaud made a crucial blunder by allowing his queen to be trapped, following which he (Persaud) was unable to recover and subsequently resigned.  
The second rapid matchup that was a 15-minute affair saw Persaud take a much more precocious approach but he was unable to secure a win and had to settle for a draw.
In the third game which lasted for 10 minutes, Khan, as he did in game one, dominated again to seal the win and secure a 2½ – ½ points lead before closing off the championship in game four as Persaud found himself in trouble and was forced to resign once again after a combination by Khan, allowing him to win a bishop, after which Persaud resigned.. 
The final standing read: Taffin Khan, Persaud, David Khan, Learie Webster, Frankie Farley, Ryan Singh, Ron Motilall who is the national junior champion and Errol Tiwari.
The GCF wishes to express thanks to the Neal and Massy, Seven Seas and the Ocean Spray Hotel for their kind support given during the tournament.