Candidate Master (CM) Wendell Meusa has put the local chess fraternity on notice, following an unbeaten tournament victory over the last weekend. After missing out on the National Senior Chess Championships in 2021, Meusa is approaching the sport with renewed vigor and intends to win it all in 2022.
Over the weekend, Meusa played nine rounds undefeated to clinch the STR Wood Inc National Online Blitz Championships, a practice that he wants to carry out throughout the year’s tournaments.
Speaking exclusively with <<<Guyana Times Sport>>> this week, Meusa indicated that he has been putting in the work with top-ranking local and foreign players behind the scenes.
Wendell Meusa
“I never left the sport; I was always working quietly behind the scenes. Since the beginning of the pandemic two years ago, we practically transformed everything to online chess. So, we do virtual teaching right now, all of our classes are virtually done, most tournaments are played online,” the chess player shared.
He added, “So that’s where I have been most of my time.”
Detailing his tough loss at last year’s Championships, Meusa says that fatherhood has played a role in his absence from recent tournaments, but he has been working to make a resounding comeback.
“My greatest challenge right now is the fact that I’m a father. I’m a father of 2, so, now I don’t have as much time to dedicate to chess, because I’ve been dedicating some of that time to my family,” he explained.
Meusa went on to reveal, “After Taffin [Khan] won the National Championships, I took it upon myself to regroup, recheck my strategies, go over my opening ideas and such. I’ve been training with some IMs, some friends of mine, we’ve been training behind the scenes.
“So, I am planning to go ahead with taking back this title.”
Essentially, the CM is pretty confident that he can dethrone the 2021 Champion, if granted a fair chance.
“I’m confident in myself. To be honest, I know my level of skill. When I came to Guyana, I was a very highly-ranked player, when I was in Guyana, I wasn’t able to boom or bloom, so I focused more on the growth part and spreading the sport.
“But I’m very confident I can and I could have done it last year, playing against Drayton. I’m confident I can win the title, the question is not about my ability, the question is ‘bout the time and the availability due to the fact that I’m a father and I have other dedications as well,” Meusa commented.
Aside from the competitions, the CM- ranked player is keen on continuing his work in teaching the sport.
“I have some personal goals; I’m going after that title again and hopefully I can assist. I’m still working to contribute to the growth and development of chess in Guyana.”
“This year, I’m just trying to make sure I keep sharp, stay fit and looking forward to play for Guyana,” he said, taking a peek into the future.
