Guyana’s draughts team secured their second consecutive international win within two weeks, having completed an amazing run of form.
One week ago, they beat Taylors’ draughts club in Trinidad, before that they defeated Jo -Fe – Wa organisation of Suriname in an invitational hosted by the two countries and staged in Guyana.
The tournament involved senior players and schoolchildren from both countries and was played at the Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal. The Guyana seniors featured Jiaram, Khemraj Pooranmall, Mark Brathwaite, Ulric Brathwaite, and Steve Bacchus.
Jiaram receives the trophy from H Basdewsingh while an elated Khemraj Pooranmall hugs the Surinamese while Steve Bacchus looks on
Ulric was defeated by P Hardyal of Suriname; Pooranmall won against H Basdewsingh; Bacchus took a win from P Basdewsingh; Mark drew with P Hardyal and Jiaram lost to H Basdewsingh, forcing a tiebreaker after the match ended 5-5.
Jiaram chose Pooranmall as Guyana’s representative while Hardyal, a draughts teacher in Suriname, was chosen by his team. A half hour on the clock was allotted for each player; both players battled intensively to the end, but it ended in a draw.
The second tiebreaker was adjourned to be played at the Kanuku Lodge, Campbellville the following evening with Pooranmall again selected to do battle. The game started at 19:10h with another half hour each on the clock. Again, both players battled with anxious spectators from their countries looking for a breakthrough from their players, but the game ended in yet another draw.
The next tie-breaker was 10 minutes per player, but it was evenly poised, as both players battled with even pieces. Brain versus brain, mind versus mind until late in the evening.
Three minutes to go on the clock, Pooranmall stepped up the heat. He mentally tortured the Surinamese, he sneaked through his opponent’s defence and took up the king check. Two moves later, it was all over; Guyana had won.
At a simple presentation ceremony, both Jiaram and Basdewsingh complimented Pooranmall for his fine performance, and he was adjudged best player of the tournament.
In the children’s tournament, the Guyanese were outmatched by the Surinamese. The only win from Guyana came from Devendra Budhu of Campbellville Secondary School.
The National Draughts Association expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the usage of the Aquatic Centre venue, Guyana Beverage Inc for refreshments and snacks, and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson.
