Junior champ Anthony Drayton dominates seniors in Topco Rapid Chess tourney

Jan 04, 2013 Sports

National Junior Chess Champion, Anthony Drayton, has performed credibly in tournaments organized in his category over the past year. The prolific chess player continued his good showing when he amassed 6 ½ points after defeating his senior counterparts to win the Topco Juices One-Day Rapid Chess Tournament organized by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) at the KEI-SHAR’S Sports Club, Sunday December 30 last.

The top finishers along with DDL Representative Alexis Langhorne (seated centre) take time out for a photo after the presentation.

Frankie Farley and Irshad Mohamed finished on 5 points apiece with the former player earning the second place by dint of the tie break system. Alexander Duncan and Glenford Corlette each scored four points, while Chino Chung won 3 games and drew one to finish on 3 ½ points with veteran player, Errol Tiwari amassing 3 points, the same as Alex Joseph.
Roberto Neto, Saeed Ali and Ron Motilall all finished on 5 points each in the junior category while Saif Afroze scored 4 ½ points. Carlos Petterson, Davion Mars and Omar Grant shared the cellar position on 4 points each.
Initially scheduled to participate among the juniors, Drayton opted to play among the seniors minutes before the tournament officially got underway. Ron Motilall, another junior player, participated among the seniors and was the only player to pose any threat to Drayton’s dominance. Their game ended in a draw. Consequently, the junior champ carted off the senior trophy and the cash prize that went with it.
Meanwhile, Roberto Neto won in the junior category while Saeed Ali and Ron Motilall finishing second and third respectively despite amassing similar scores as Neto. This was after the tie break system was employed. Saif Afroze ended in the fourth place, while Carlos Petterson finished fifth. Omar Grant was adjudged the Best Under-16 Player while Sheriffa Ali, the lone female, received a prize for her participation.
GCF President Shiv Nandalall congratulated the respective winners while encouraging the junior participants to emulate Drayton and challenge the senior players. The prizes were distributed by DDL Sales Manager Alexis Langhorne who reiterated DDL’s commitment to the promotion the sport during 2013.