THE FINAL SIX qualifiers who will face defending champion Delisle Warner have been chosen following the final round of the Barbados Chess Federation's (BCF) second qualifier last Saturday at Harrison College.

International Master Kevin Denny, Demetrio Moore, Othneil Harewood, Michael Barker, Alex Jackman and Colvin Howard took the top six places in the qualifier.

They will be joining national master Terry Farley, FIDE Master Dr Philip Corbin, Kelvin Daniel, Shammel Howell, and Martyn Del Castilho who reached the grade in the first qualifier.

The 2006 National Championships get underway this Saturday at Harrison College.

Denny emerged winner with a prefect nine points to charge into the National Championships on a high note.

He never looked in danger in any of his games and the final round was more of the same. BCF president Dr Kumar Areti (6/9) engaged in a long line of forced play but ended a pawn down with no chances and soon resigned, sealing Denny's perfect finish.

Moore (7/9) and Harewood (6/9) were both joint second and staged a tremendous see-saw battle. A captive audience awaited this result, which had repercussions for the final placing, while keeping an eye on their own games.

Moore celebrated the victory, and second position, by striking a pose. He observed that his seven points were a perfect score since he missed the first two rounds.

This result paved the way for a later peace offer in the game between Michael Barker (6.5/9) and Alex Jackman (6/9). The draw result placed them third and fourth respectively.

Young Justin Blackman (6/9) of Queen's College became the 11th qualifier by beating Colvin Howard (5.5/9).

Other critical games involved Emmerson Hurley against Wendell Meusa, and Asabi Layne versus Austin Garnes, but these ended in hard-fought draws, leaving the rivals out of the prospects with 5.5 points.

The 2006 National Championships will be sponsored by Consumers' Guarantee Insurance (CGI), the first time the company is partnering with the BCF.

Final standings

1. IM Kevin Denny, 9/9; 2. Demetrio Moore, 7/9; 3. Michael Barker, 6.5/9; 4-8. Alex Jackman, Othneil Harewood, Justin Blackman, Dr. Kumar Areti, Dwayne Gilkes, 6/9; 9-15. Colvin Howard, Allan Herbert, Wendell Meusa, Asabi Layne, Austin Garnes, Emmerson Hurley and Corinne Howard, 5.5/9.