Cecil Cox finally attains the local chess championship

Nov 22, 2009 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin
When Cecil Cox won the junior chess championships recently organized by the local chess federation, it was, in fact, adequate recompense for years of dedicated hard work and further underlined by months of committed application under the tutelage of his senior counterpart, Wendell Meusa, who had earlier dethroned Kriskal Persaud to claim the senior category of the championships.
Last Friday evening, at Ramphal House, Shivnarine Chanderpaul Street Georgetown, Cox proudly accepted the trophy, a symbol of hard work and sports excellence. Perhaps, the most memorable aspect of the presentation ceremony might not have been the accolade itself but the long tireless hours spent honing his skills that eventually earned him the top prize and the prestige that goes along with it.
Cox is a diminutive, unassuming young man who seems to possess a penchant for hard work. Born on November 7, 1996, he obtained a primary education at the New Guyana School, Brickdam Georgetown, and subsequently earned a place at the nation’s premiere secondary school, Queen College after successfully completing the National Grade Six assessment.
He speaks carefully, pronouncing every word with great care and his vocabulary belies someone his age. His interest in chess dates back to many years as a mere tot when he moved his first pawn at only 8 years old. Since then, he has played in dozens of competitions and before his current momentous achievement, his greatest claim to fame was his success at the Oasis Café Chess competition, a tournament he won twice. However, even after excelling at this level, Cox had greater ambitions and toyed with the idea of one day winning the national championship.
When Cox signed up to contest for the National Junior Chess championship he did not, in his wildest dreams, believe that he would have come out on top of the heap. In fact, his performance in the qualifying rounds was anything but heartening. He played 10 games and only managed to win 5 of them and eventually finished in 8th place, the last place available for qualification to the senior championships. “I was disheartened by my performance but deep in my breast I knew that I could have done better so I vowed that I would have trained harder in the actual championships,” said Cox.
It was here he met Meusa, who had distinguished himself among his peers with his superb plays. “One day I was shopping at the Merriman’s Mall when I noticed a group of men playing the game. Among them was Wendell (Meusa). I observed their play and before very long engaged Wendell in discussions,” explained Cox.
One thing led to the next and shortly after their initial meeting Meusa committed to help him improve his techniques. “I was initially impressed by his willingness to learn and his general application,” said Meusa. Cox’s dad, William, then suggested that his son train with Meusa in order to develop modern techniques. The two champions decided to set aside four hours per day analyzing the game and engaging in competition against each other. “Cecil is a quick learner so it was not difficult introducing him to new techniques,” intimated Meusa. Cox’s performance in the preliminary rounds was uninspiring but Meusa sensed that the rut was temporary and his game would have improved and improve it did.
The tournament still had another two rounds to go but Cox had already distinguished himself needing to register a draw to secure the junior title. He wasted little time and dispatched Kana Khan to become the new junior champion of Guyana. Cox played excellent chess throughout the tournament with only one loss against the lone female Crystal Khan and three draws to finish on eleven and a half points. He had earlier taken over the lead in round eight from tournament favorite Saeed Ali.
Meusa intimated that even though the union germinated at the Merriman’s Mall, he had, in fact become impressed with Cox’s aptitude when he (Cox) along with 29 other players engaged grandmaster, Rainer Buhman when he visited earlier this year. Cox competed in a game where the grandmaster simultaneously played against the players. He played the game of his life and was duly adjudged ‘the last man standing.’ This meant that he survived the longest against Buhman.
Cox also competed in last year’s junior championships and lost out to former champion, Taffin Khan. This certainly did not daunt his spirits and his achievement this year certainly underlines the determined nature of the lad. He reminisces on his preparations. “Training was rigorous. I walked, talked, ate and slept chess,” he admitted. Now that he has won the championships Cox is aware that he would have to work harder to maintain his aptitude. Quizzed on his future ambitions he said, “I have every intention of holding on to this accolade until 2014 when I will no longer be eligible for participation,” he intimated.
Cecil’s real heroes are his parents William and Satie.
The youngster also has a healthy respect for a Mr. Bholi of Alexander Village and Mr. Joey Hira of Christopher Ram’s accounting firm, two individuals that contributed to his development.
He also nurtures deep respect for his mentor, Wendell Meusa whose input has impacted greatly on his level of play and eventual success.
“What happens after your tenure in the junior ranks is expired?” this reporter wanted to know. Cox spent several seconds in deep thought then replied matter of factly, “Then I will just have to relinquish all sentiments and dispose of my coach.” Such an eventuality might not be necessary for another 5 years when Cox graduates into the senior category. For now he is content to bask in the throes of his newly acquired status.

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