Apex Insurance rapid chess tournament…Tony Hanoman captures senior category, Anthony Drayton wins juniors

Tony Hanoman regurgitated nostalgic memories of his prolific years of the 70s and 80s when he captured the honours in the senior category of the one-day Apex Insurance Brokers rapid chess tournament at the KEI-SHAR’S Sports Club on Sunday afternoon last. Former national champion, Kriskal Persaud finished second just in front of Glenford Corlette who closed off the podium spots.
Junior player, Anthony Drayton emulated his senor counterpart to capture the honours in his category, while relegating National Junior Champion Suhai Feng to the second place. Saeed Ali of Richard Ishmael Secondary school and Ron Motilall of St. Joseph’s High placed 3rd and 4th respectively. Pardev Bissoon of West Demerara Secondary finished in the fifth place.
St. Joseph’s High school student Sheriffa Ali amassed a similar score as Ali, Pardev Bissoon and Motilall but was relegated to her current position after the tie breaker was employed. Nevertheless, she was awarded a special prize for being the best U-13 player in the tournament.

Winners of the Apex Insurance Chess tourney display their winning after the presentation.

The final points standing for the juniors read: Anthony Drayton (5), Suhai Feng (4 ½), Saeed Ali, Ron Motiall, Pardev Bissoon and Sheriffa Ali (4 points apiece).
Among the seniors Tony Hanoman and Kriskal Persaud scored 6 ½ points each, while Glenford Corlette scored 5.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hanoman urged his junior counterparts to pay keen attention on their chess openings if they are to improve on their standard of play. He noted that many of the youngsters were erring in that department and warned them that they may not be able to overcome other players familiar with their openings.
Participants had a maximum 20 minutes per game and used clocks provided by the Guyana Chess Federation. In all 27 players participated in the tournament.