GLENFORD Corlette’s title-run in the 2020 National Closed Chess Championship final came to an end on Tuesday afternoon when he was defeated by Candidate Master and former champion Wendell Meusa in their long-awaited First-Round battle. With the loss, only Meusa has a chance at upstaging Taffin Khan for the title, but that is slim chance since he would have to rely on 2020 Rapid and Blitz Champion Davion Mars to win his game against Khan—a monumental task— in order to force a playoff.
Candidate Master Khan, who is favourite to win the championship, which was held over from last year, just has to draw with Mars to ensure an overall victory.
Although he has never been defeated by the Blitz champion, Khan will not take him for granted and might play safe in their final round clash on Saturday.

Meusa is heavy favourite in his final round battle against lower ranked Rai Sharma. Mr Sharma, known for his fast playing style, has held his own in the competition, but is severely out-matched against Meusa. Former champion Meusa has only himself to blame in his title run, since he lost an entire point due to a walkover defeat by defending champion Drayton in the earlier rounds. Corlette, who can still finish in the top three in the eight-player battle, will have to face Loris Nathoo in his final round, while Drayton will play Errol Tiwari.
With six rounds completed, Khan leads all scores with 5 ½ points, Meusa has 4 ½ points, Corlette 4 points, Drayton 3 points, Mars and Nathoo are tied on 2 points, while Mr Sharma and Errol Tiwari are tied on 1 point each.