THE top junior and senior chess players of 2012 received their awards for outstanding performance in the just concluded National Chess Championships during a small presentation ceremony, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) on Friday at Olympic House, Kingston.

New Junior Champion Anthony Drayton of Georgetown and three-time Senior Champion Taffin Khan of West Demerara are leading this year’s group in their respective categories. Sixteen players were awarded for their efforts.
The Chess Federation also honoured past president Errol Tiwari for his distinguished service in the promotion of chess in Guyana.
Shiv Nandalall, president of the local body cited Tiwari’s role in the resuscitation of the sport, saying: “Mr Tiwari was known for his popular weekly column which was stimulating and provoked interest for the reading public.”
“His stewardship was critical when the revival of chess began,” the president noted.
The local chess body also extended its gratitude to the management and staff of the Ocean Spray Hotel for its hospitality and provision of its facilities free of charge to the Federation.
The hotel has facilitated the annual championships and other small competitions conducted by the Federation over the past five years.
“While we live in a world where almost nothing is free, Ocean Spray Hotel has graciously accommodated the playing of chess without hindrance and I want to sincerely thank Managing Director Mr Shameer Mohamed and staff for this great gesture,” Nandalall declared.
During the ceremony Mr Vishnu Rampersaud, secretary of the GCF thanked sponsors of chess for their role in ensuring the noble sport remained alive during the past year.
Apex Insurance Brokers, The Trophy Stall, Ddl Topco Juices, Malta Supreme, Caribbean Container Inc., Sasha Cells, The Red Cherry Café, Uniparts Auto Spares, Kei-Shar’s, Kings Jewellery World, Dr Chase Products of Geddes Grant, Roraima Airways, Lucky Dollar, GT&T and Liat Airlines were all instrumental in the continued growth of chess during 2012.