Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation

The stage is set for a new T & T Men and Women Chess Champions

Carl Jacobs reported in the Trinidad Guardian Newspaper:

The T&T National Chess Championship finals took a dramatic turn on Sunday when Yogendranath Ramsingh outmaneuvered defending champion Christo Cave to set up a virtual final between himself and tournament leader Ryan Harper. Ramsingh’s carefully crafted victory effectively eclipses Cave’s bid to extend by another his record string of 13 national titles. It also places Ramsingh half a point behind Harper who is in front with 8 points after ten rounds.

When he drew level with Harper on 7 points by beating him in Saturday’s ninth round, the champion kept his chances alive. But while the younger player moved ahead by crushing Hayden Lee on Sunday, Cave faltered by going under to the solid play of Ramsingh piloting the white pieces in a Queen’s pawn game. Late in the opening, Cave gave up his pair of bishops, exchanging one for a knight, and was never able to achieve any advantage.

To secure his third national title, Ramsingh must now overcome the youthful energy and confidence of Harper in a game that should be one of the highlights of the tournament. All Harper needs is a draw to carve his name on the title for a second time.

The top three of the contest, Harper, Ramsingh and Cave have qualfied to represent T&T at the Olympiad in Turin, Italy, in May next year. The other three of the six-player team will be chosen on their performance rating during the year prior to the Olympiad.

The national finals have been sponsored by New India Assurance Company Ltd and played at the RHAND Credit Union building in Port-of-Spain. Chief Arbiter is Dr Gregory Boyce assisted by John Raphael and Geoffrey Marcelle.

Also being played at the same venue is the Women’s National Open Championship, which has been won by teenager Chantal Fitzpatrick who has a perfect score of six points in the seven round contest. With the final round to be played, her lead is unassailable. Behind her on 4.5 each are defending champion Aditi Soondarsingh and Jayne Kennedy.