THE Guyana Draughts Association (GDA) concluded its Jubilee tournament last Sunday at the National Gymnasium with the games keenly contested on both days. In the open competition on Saturday Khemraj Pooranmall took a narrow edge over his rivals. Jiaram and Steve Bacchus had the lead going into the sixth and final round with 12 and 13 points respectively. However, an upset saw Pooranmall move from 11 points to 15 to tie with Steve Bacchus and Navin Megbarran who got the bye, earning himself 4 free points.
The trio had a tie-breaker playoff which Pooranmall won with Navin in second and Bacchus in third. Another tie-breaker for the fourth place saw Jiaram defeat both Francis and Yearwood who all ended the sixth round on 13 points.
On Sunday the games were played on the International 100-square boards. Both Jiaram and Pooranmall went into the final round with 9 points each.
A loss to Jiaram in the final round and a win for Pooranmall gave him a double crown in the competition. Jiaram placed second while Steve Bacchus and Ulric Brathwaite placed third and fourth respectively. All four players had competed in International competitions in top Draughts-playing nation Suriname.
Trophies donated by Trophy Stall and the National Sports Commission were awarded to the top players.
In the opening of the games president of the association, Mr Jiaram welcomed the players and congratulated them for their involvement in this aspect of the Jubilee celebrations. He also commended the association for supporting National activities such as this.
The association expressed its gratitude and thanks to Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall Bourda Market, executives of the National Sports Commission, Lalta Gainda of RUBiS Bel Air and Southland International.