Undefeated Harper ahead in New India Chess series

Harper became this country’s first international titled chess player when he obtained the title FIDE Master at the 1999 Subzonals held in Venezuela.

Three years later he copped the national crown in emphatic fashion winning all eleven games and became the only person besides Christo Cave (National Master) to carry the title since 1991.

In spite of a slow start to this tournament with drawn games in the first two rounds of play, Ryan has managed to remain undefeated with resounding wins in his next six games.

The most recent was against Sean Perryman, who was the frontruner throughout.

Cave made up for successive defeats the previous weekend by displaying sharp tactical combinations to outclass Hayden Lee and then tournament leader Sean Perryman. Those dramatic games not only showed why he has been national champion for such a long time but it also put him in second place with six points.

He is now within reach of Harper against whom he plays white this Saturday in a battle royale that many believe will determine this year’s winner.

Also gearing up for a positive finish in the last three rounds is Yogendranath Ramsingh (National Master) on 5.5 points but the five-point grouping of Ravishen Singh, Eddison Chang and Sean Perryman is in close pursuit. Rounds 9 and 10 take place this weekend at 4 pm, the Rooftop Rhand Credit Union, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain.

The fixtures are as follows—

Round 9— On Saturday: Frank Yee vs Hayden Lee, Micheal Pouchet vs Cecil Lee; Mario Merritt vs David Christopher; Ravishen Singh vs Dr Eddison Chang; Sean Perryman vs Yogi Ramsingh; Christo Cave vs Ryan Harper.

Round 10 — On Sunday: Hayden Lee vs Ryan Harper; Yogi Ramsingh vs Christo Cave; Dr Eddison Chang vs Sean Perryman; David Christopher vs Ravishen Singh; Cecil Lee vs Mario Merritt; Frank Yee vs Micheal Pouchet.