THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) over the weekend ended the May Open Clash of Champions Chess tournament.

Taking first place was National Coach & National Chess Champion CM Wendell Meusa on 5.5 points from 7 games.

The Swiss manager chess programme placed Meusa ahead of Roberto Neto who finished on 5.5 points as well.

Meusa went down in round 6 to Loris Nathoo in what was considered the game of the tournament. Both players played strongly and were in time trouble before Nathoo secured his point in a basic King & Pawn vs King endgame. 

Roberto Neto also held Meusa to a good draw in a King’s pawn end. Neto with the Black pieces defended solidly and neutralised Meusa attacks with some simplifying exchanges thus bring the endgame to a draw.

In the seventh round, Meusa with the White pieces went for the solid London System but saw some stiff resistance from Calvin Giddings of GUYOIL. Giddings who missed a winning chance in the middle game lost in the endgame as Meusa converted a small advantage in a good Knight & Rook vs Bad bishop & Rook endgame. 

Roberto Neto returned to chess tournaments with a solid performance. He defeated the in-form Glenford Corlette with some strategic chess and eventually a hidden combination blow after Corlette bravely sacked his Queen to force checkmate in 2.

However, he overlooked a tactical defensive idea that Neto immediately latched onto after the Queen sac.

Third was Glenford Corlette who continues to show a lot of improvements. He took down Nathoo with some solid chess, pressing forward slowly to secure his win.

Even though he lost to Meusa and Neto, Corlette finished on 5, while Nathoo finished on 4.5, Calvin Giddings 4, Davion Mars 3.5, Marcelius & Pasqual Cornelius, Ghansham Allijohn and Jaden Taylor (of St. Stanislaus College) all finished on 3 points each. Saeed Ali wrapped up 1 point and 12-year-old Savir Gookul did not get off the mark.

In the women’s section, the more experienced Attorney-at-Law Yolander Persaud, played undefeated in a double round-robin clash. With FM Maria Thomas & CM Sherifa Ali opting for rest and examination, Ms. Persaud showed her dominance as she defeated Waveney Johnson, Chelsea Juma & Sasha Shariff (Juma & Shariff attended CARIFTA Chess Championships) twice with both colours as she booked her place in the females team for Batumi Georgia.

They all finished on 3 points but taking 2nd was Chelsea Juma of St Stanislaus College, followed by Sasha Shariff of Marian Academy and Waveney Johnson of Christ Church.

More chess tournaments will continue this week at St Stanislaus College as Saints Chess Club, with assistance from Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation, Guyana Chess Federation and National Sports Commission, hosts the third Saints Chess Championship.

This event is scheduled to run from May 17 to 19, 2018. Round 1 kicks off at 16:00hrs on the 17th. There will be two sections – Invitational and Open.

The Invitational will see Guyana’s top junior National champion Joshua Gopaul, Ghansham Allijohn, Jaden Taylor, Ethan Lee, Keon Scott, Akili Theophil and defending Saints champion Jorrell fighting to win.

The Open section is set to have other kids from Saints Chess Club, Marian Acdemy Chess Club, Noah Gonzales of Mae’s School, Albouystown (Open Mind) Chess Club and Christ Church Secondary School Chess Club.

This event is open to children in primary and secondary schools. Interested persons can contact Mr Wendell Meusa on 664-0124 for more information.