President’s Rapid Open Chess tournament set for February 22

Dubbed the President’s 50th Anniversary Shield, an Open Rapid Chess tournament is billed for February 22 at State House as part of the country’s Golden Republic celebrations.

The eight-round tournament, being coordinated by the newly-formed Guyana Chess Academy, is being supported by President David Granger, a former head of the Guyana Chess Federation, a release from the Guyana Chess Academy stated.

The one-day, FIDE-rated competition will have a time control of 15 minutes, plus five seconds. Game time is 13:30h, and registration starts an hour before.

The tournament will be contested in several categories and all the top performers will be rewarded with cash incentives. The top five finishers in the Open, Female, Junior Open and Junior Female divisions will receive prizes, while the Best Under12 player will be rewarded.

One of the coordinators, Irshad Mohamed, said already some of the country’s leading players have confirmed their participation and he is anticipating a keenly contested afternoon of Chess.

“We have some players from Suriname coming as well, so that will add a bit of flair and excitement, and no doubt the local players will want to ensure they bring their A game,” Mohamed related.

Mohamed, also a former Guyana Chess Federation president added that the Guyana Chess Academy is grateful to His Excellency for including Chess as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

Persons interested in participating in the Rapid can contact James Bond on 6000007, Anthony Drayton on 613-2083, John Lee 623 0986 or Irshad Mohamed on 6641650.