National Master Terry Farley (right) waiting for Delisle Warner to make a move in their clash last weekend. Farley defeated the FIDE Master to take over the lead in the Barbados National Chess finals. (GP)

NATIONAL MASTER Terry Farley took over the lead in the fourth round of the 2006 CGI Barbados National Chess Finals played at Harrison College on Saturday.

His victory over defending champion FIDE Master (FM) Delisle Warner opens up the field as all three favourites have now played each other. Warner pulled the early surprise by foregoing the cut and thrust of the bayonet variation for a tense manoeuvring struggle in the King's Indian defence. Warner seemed to have a slight edge from the opening but was neutralised and slowly outplayed by Farley on the queenside.

The other clash of the double header was a disappointment as FM Dr Philip Corbin was a no-show in a default loss to Martyn Del Castilho. The two default losses by Corbin reduced his role to a spoiler more than contender now. He plays Farley and Warner in the next two rounds and two victories by him would throw the tournament wide open.

Other matches featured a clash of junior champions with Under-16 champ Justin Blackman and Under-14 champ Alex Jackman facing off. Jackman surprised his opponent in the opening with the Caro-Kann variation but produced a dubious novelty which saw him under early pressure. Blackman played the same opening and being well versed in the nuances had little difficulty in converting the point in the first game to finish.

A veterans clash between Othneil Harewood and Allan Herbert featured the Nimzo-Indian defence. Harewood developed a menacing position before Herbert rushed a move which blundered a rook and immediately resigned. Herbert will have the white pieces next against defending champ
Warner who will no doubt be hoping he is in an equally generous mood.

Chess and checkers aficionado Michael Barker was not in such a generous mood against Under-20 champion Wendell Meusa in the last game to finish. Barker took early kingside prospects in a Cole opening Zuckertort variation, but Meusa kept on the restraints and forced him into an end game. However, even the drawish nature of opposite coloured bishops could not stop Barker from racking up the point as he carefully marched his connected pair of pawns home.

Federation president Dr Kumar Areti seemed slightly better in an exchange variation of a Ruy Lopez against Shamel Howell, but drifted badly when he focused on exchanging pieces. Having reached the desired endgame he promptly lost a pawn but may have had structural compensation. Howell however won a second pawn which heralded the end.

The next round will feature several nervous battles as leader (3 1/2) Farley takes on Corbin in a tough encounter. He holds his fate in his hands as the chasing pack of Warner, Howell on three and Del Castilho, Blackman on 2 1/2 (will be looking to capitalise on any mistake. (SC/PR)