David Jarrett of Fide's Organizers Commission make the ceremonial move for Grandmaster Mesgen Amanov in his round one game against International Master Terry Farley.

The Annual Heroes Day International Chess Festival got off to a rousing start at the Amaryllis Hotel yesterday (Saturday) with local players battling the Caribbean’s best and international masters as well.

In the Digicel Masters section, the USA based Turkmenistan GrandMaster, Mesgen Amanov, the tournament’s top seed overcame a stiff challenge in round one from International Master Terry Farley to register his first point on Barbadian soil. Barbados’ highest rated player International master Kevin Denny also ensured that he put points on the board, by defeating Fide Master Shane Matthews of Jamaica. Also opening his account in round one was Trinidad’s Fide Master Ryan Harper against Fide Master Delisle Warner of Barbados.

Round 2 of the Masters was equally riveting, with the 6 masters play some determined and inventive chess. Grandmaster Amanov faced Shane Matthews of Jamaica, but he found the going rather difficult and he had to struggle for a draw. Matthews eager for the win against the Grandmaster played quickly and miscalculated the endgame allowing Amanov to draw by perpetual check. The draw left the Grandmaster on 1.5 points, ½ point behind Barbados’ top player International Master Kevin Denny who leads the pack on 2 points having defeated Fidemasters Shane Matthew and Ryan Harper in rounds 1 and 2 respectively.

In the candidates section, the top seeds, Jamaica’s Andrew Mellace, Cuba’s Roberto Castillo, Trinidadians Esan Wiltshire, Kevin Cupid, Guyana’s Taffin Khan and local players Orlando Husbands, Bryan Prescod, Allon Richards, Steven Lucas and Donna Murray scored victories in both rounds to set the stage for an exciting round 3 as the top seeds jostle for the lead.
The tournament is being played at the Amaryllis Beach Hotel, Hastings,Christ Church and concludes on Wednesday, May 01, with 2 rounds being played each day.

International Master Kevin Denny of Barbados-current tournament leader