Candidate Master Taffin Khan emerged victorious in the Ram & McRae National Open Chess Championship Qualifying Tournament, showcasing flawless play over eight rounds.
The Swiss System tournament took place over two weekends at the Guyana National Stadium pavilion.
In a strategic and intense competition, Taffin Khan secured his triumph by defeating Keron Sandiford in Round 7 and engaging in a four-hour battle with Loris Nathoo in Round 8.
The final game saw Khan outshine Nathoo in the endgame with precise and decisive moves.
Throughout the tournament, Khan also claimed victories against Isa Bremner, Errol Tiwari, Ethan Lee, Justino DaSilva, Roberto Neto, and Sachin Pitamber.
Securing second place was 20-year-old Ethan Lee, finishing with 7 points, while current National Junior Champion Keron Sandiford claimed the third position with 5.5 points.
Notably, Sandiford lost to Taffin Khan in Round 7 but rebounded with a victory against newcomer Alex Benjamin.
In the fourth position was Gilbert Williams, also with 5.5 points, securing wins against Tremusa Marshall, Shivanand Nandalall, Asif Rahaman, Nicholas Sakoor, and Rolex Alexander.
The top ten players from this qualifying tournament will advance to the National Open Chess Championship, vying for the 2023 title.
The competition witnessed the participation of 41 players, including 29 juniors and 9 female participants.
The tournament was sponsored by Ram and McRae in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport.
Looking ahead, the Grand Prix and National tournaments are scheduled to commence early next year, setting the stage for the selection of the Olympiad team in September 2024 in Hungary.