Chess and Scrabble competitions continue
The University of Guyana Sports Department continued its annual King and Queen Chess and Scrabble competitions on November 23, 2018 in the Conference Room of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, defending Chess Champion Davion Mars was asked how he rates the competition, and he said: “Well, I am fairly confident in my abilities as defending champion. Compared to last year’s lineup, the players are more tuned and seasoned, and this tournament will be a lot stronger than last year’s. I have been doing some training with them, so I kind of know what to expect, but I would not underestimate anyone at this point.”
Mars said he knows his experience would push him forward, as, prior to playing locally, he has had international experience and is certified by Fédération Internationale des Échecs, or World Chess Federation (FIDE) to train individuals, as he is licensed.
Mars says he is training with others and is also personally training alone, as it would help him when he faces the victor of the semifinals.
In last week’s leg of the tournament of the Scrabble competition, Komal Hukumchand was defeated by Jaffar Gibbons, while Francisca Persaud lost to Feona Jones.
In the chess competition, which was played the best two out of three games, Joshua Gopaul defeated Tristan Carter, while Andre Jagnandan defeated Obeng Quamina; and for the first time in the female league, Anicia Patterson defeated Unique Persaud.
After the competition ended, the two winners drew to play one of the top four, which resulted in Andre Jagnandan playing the 2nd seeded Rondell Palmer and Joshua Gopaul playing the 3rd seeded Tristan Cordis.
While in this week’s competition, it continued with the best two out of three games for the chess. However, the games were not completed, due to time. Andre Jagnandan and Rondel Palmer faced off against each other, but only one game was played thus far, with Jagnandan leading.
Marcellus Cornelius played Xavier Perriera. Both games are currently tied, as they have each won a game, and will await the third game to know who will advance. In the female chess competition, Britney Bovell defeated Ansonette Thomas, and Shanese Richards defeated Madena Archer.
In the Scrabble competition, Ivana battled it out with Aliyyah Anderson. Anderson won, but was defeated by defending champion Christina Basil. Basil will play Crystal De Cumba who 
defeated Feona Jones in the semi-final.
In the male semi-finals, John Forde and Jabar Gibbons faced off in a battle of intellect, which saw Gibbon emerging victor, and will now await the winner from the second semifinal. That game will be played between Joshua Gopaul, who defeated Tejay Anderson, and Marcellus Cornelius, who defeated Obeng Quamina.
All competitions will continue on Monday. (Timothy Jaikarran)
