International Master Orlando Husbands begins the defence of the first of his three national titles when the Barbados Chess Federation’s National Championship pushes off today.
Husbands, who is also the reigning national rapid and blitz champion, will battle nine rivals in a round-robin format at the Chess Centre in Exmouth Gap, Brandons.
The two-time national champion is expected to face his major competition from 2006 king, veteran International Master Terry Farley, FIDE Master Justin Blackman, Candidate Master Bryan Prescod and Kemp Lynch.
The nine qualifiers to face the 22-year-old Husbands were determined by the top three finishers in qualifying tournaments in January, June and July.
The other five qualifiers are Justin Kirton, Akeem Cox, Mark Lowe, Jonathan Shepherd and veteran Othneil Harewood, a replacement for Barbados’ CARIFTA captain Nitin Mahtani, who is out of the island. (BCF)
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