NATIONAL  Chess champion Taffin Khan was crowned the Red Cherry Café Ladder Chess Champion, when he won five of his six matches in the final round, which was held at the Camp Street Avenue last Saturday. The event which took place between Lamaha and New Market Streets saw Khan, in a seemingly easy struggle with his three other opponents. His only defeat was to Ronuel Greenidge.
Berbician and former national champion Kriskal Persaud took second place, Ronuel Greenidge placed third and Anthony Drayton finished fourth.
The scores at the end of the finals read: Taffin Khan 15 points (one loss, five wins), Kriskal Persaud 9 points (3 losses, 3 wins), Anthony Drayton and Ronuel Greenidge six points apiece (four losses, two wins each).
Since Greenidge and Drayton were tied on six points apiece, the two then headed into a three-match blitz playoff with only five minutes each on the clock to determine the third place winner. Greenidge eventually prevailed.
During the earlier showdown, each player had only ten minutes on the clock to accomplish victory and finally determine the Ladder Champion. The finals lasted for just about two hours.
The inaugural tournament began in July with six preliminary rounds. At the end of the preliminaries on August 8, the emerging top four faced off against each other for the finals at the outdoor location.
Taffin Khan received $50,000 cash plus $50,000 in Red Cherry vouchers, Kriskal Persaud received $10,000 cash plus $15,000 worth in Red Cherry vouchers, Greenidge was awarded $5,000 cash plus $10,000 in Red Cherry vouchers and Drayton received a Red Cherry voucher worth $5,000.
In addition, the top four each received a trophy. The best female during the preliminaries was Sheriffa Ali and her brother Saeed was adjudged the best junior. They were each awarded trophies, $10,000 cash and Red Cherry vouchers worth $10,000.
The presentation was done by CEO of the Red Cherry cafés Loris Nathoo immediately after the finals  on Saturday..