Taffin Khan leads points standing as Caribbean Container INC chess tourney continues

Senior national chess champion, Taffin Khan, turned back the challenge of his dad, David and registered a convincing victory when play in the Caribbean Container INC. (C.C.I.) FIDE rating tournament continued at the Ocean Spray Hotel, Rupert Craig Highway and Stanley Place Kitty, Saturday afternoon last.

David Khan (left) and his son Taffin engaged in a battle of wits before the younger Khan prevailed

The younger Khan now enjoys the leading position with 5½ points at the end of the 6th round. In a highly anticipated encounter, the two players started on a high note. Thirty moves later, it was all over when the younger Khan launched an attack and expertly took advantage of his opponent’s unsafe king after forcing erratic movements around board.
The older Khan then gambled his queen in an effort to save the king but sank deeper into the mire after weakening his position to eventually concede the game.
Meanwhile, national junior champion Hai Feng Su improved his standing in the competition with a decisive win over Anthony Drayton to take his points tally to 3, two less than Cecil Cox, the leading junior player. The other point standings after six rounds read: David Khan and Cecil Cox (5 apiece), Shiv Nandalall (4), Anthony Drayton (3.5), Hai Feng Su (3), Ryan Singh (1.5), Kana Khan and Ron Motilall (1 apiece) while Sham Khan remains in the cellar on ½ point.
The six junior players are competing against four FIDE rated seniors to qualify for similar ratings but will be required to dig deep since the World Chess Federation (FIDE) will grant the improved ratings based on the performance of the younger players during the tournament. The tournament continues this Saturday when three rounds will be played at the same venue, while the final two rounds will be played on Sunday.
Activities get underway at 16:30 hrs at the Ocean Spray Hotel and the presentation of prizes are set for Olympic House shortly after the tournament ends.