Harewood, Barker in lead

Article by BCF

Former Barbados Chess Federation president Othneil Harewood and versatile Michael Barker are the early leaders in the annual Karl Sealy Memorial Senior Chess Championship.

Harewood, the first president of the BCF when the federation was established in 1981, and Barker, a regular on the draughts boards, won both of their games when the championship pushed off last weekend at the Chess Centre on Exmouth Gap, Spring Garden.

Harewood defeated another former BCF president, Rohan Waithe, in his first-round clash on Saturday and followed up with another win against top seed Neil Yarde on Sunday.

Barker benefited from a default victory against David Linton in the first round before getting the better of current BCF president Allan Herbert in the second round.

The first weekend of action sets the stage for a third-round top-of-the-table clash between Harewood and Barker when the championship continues next Saturday.

Yarde is occupying third place from his first-round win against Richard Haddock, while Linton also has a point from a bye in the second round.

The next two places are shared by Waithe and Haddock, who played to a draw in the second round after losing their first round games.

Seven players are contesting the five-round championship, which is open to players over the age of 50. It is sponsored by Mel’s Exotic Nail School & Salon. (BCF)