RYAN HARPER scored two big wins over the weekend to snatch the Lucozade championship from national chess champion Ravishen Singh, who led up to the final seventh round on Sunday.

Harper, a Republic Bank employee, won against Singh and national Under-14 champion Keron Cabralis to finish on six points, a clear winner ahead of Singh and national Under-18 champion Kevin Cupid who both ended on 5.5 points.

The victory gives Harper, four-time national champion, the boost needed just weeks ahead of the National Championship Finals, which is schedule to begin on October 18.

Singh, held to a draw by David Christopher, placed second on the progressive score tie-break system. Cupid, a UTT student, took the third prize.

Cupid surprisingly drew with Christopher and surprisingly defeated (FM) Michael Pouchet to push his ranking among the best in the country.

He is expected to gain very good international rating from his performance in this tournament. Cabralis, Christopher and Jayson Paul placed fourth, fifth and sixth respectively, all with five points.

Cabralis looked ominous up until the last round. While Christopher and Paul fought back strongly after early setbacks. David Worrell, retired senior Police officer, scored a remarkable four points after an absence of over 30 years.

The Paladins Club foundation member defeated two FIDE rated players among his four victims. Coping the first prize among the females was female national Under-12 champion Javanna Smith with 3.5 points.

In second place female national Under-10 champion Gabriela Johnson with Camille Chung in third spot. Cabralis, CIC college, won the under-14 trophy from Vandoff Smith, Fatima college, and Jarryon Paul, CIC, in that order.

Alex Walcott, Maria Regina, took the Under-12 trophy. National Under-10 champion Joshua Johnson, also Maria Regina, was best among his Under-10 category then came Zurich Smith, Holy Name Prep; and Joshua Peters, Richmond Street Boys'.

Della-Marie, CAC silver medallist, impressed in taking the first place among the Under-8, with Jelani Frederick, Sacred Hearts primary, second and Jon-Raphael Sealey, Richmond Street Boys' third.

The seven-round Swiss format tournament was organised by Paladins Chess Club and played at Algico Plaza, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.

The Paladins Open Blitz Championship and prize giving will take place tomorrow at the same venue from 4 pm. Players interested in participating can contact Bhisham Soondarsingh at 761-7091 or Andrew Bowles at 741-3982.