Veteran La Touche wins first over-the-board chess tournament in 2021

Veteran Cyprian La Touche put in a solid performance to prevail over higher rated opposition and win the Barbados Chess Federation’s first over-the-board tournament in 2021.

La Touche, the no. 4 seed, took the honours in the Kevin Denny Open – National Championship 1^st Qualifier by scoring six out of a maximum seven points in the five-day event that concluded on Tuesday night at the Coles Building on Bay Street, Bridgetown.

The 58-year-old La Touche lost to top seed Emar Edwards in the second round, but triumphed over his remaining opponents to seal one of three places up for grabs in the National Championship finals later in the year.

Edwards, who played unbeaten, finished second with five and a half points, while Adam Roachford was third on the tie-break ahead of Allan Herbert after both players ended on four and a half points.

Hannah Wilson, who placed fifth with four points, won the prize for the Best Female Player, while Melvin Terence, who was seventh with three and a half points, was the Best Under-16 Player.

La Touche started the tournament with a victory over Aaron Jaikaran and after losing to Edwards, he reeled off successive wins against Alexander Berry, Keon Lashley, Wilson, Othneil Harewood and Roachford.

While Edwards did not lose a game, he had to settle for three draws – against Roachford, Harewood and Herbert.

The event was the first face-to-face tournament for the year after the lifting of some of the COVID-19 restrictions that allowed for the resumption of some competitive sports. It attracted 14 entrants and was named in honour of Kevin Denny, the most successful player in the National Championship with 14 tittles.

The second qualifier will be named after seven-time national champion Philip Corbin and the third qualifier will honour 12-time national champion Charles Gilkes. (BCF)