The 2018 National Chess Championship kicked off last Saturday, with Ghana's top 10 rated players, invited to a 9-round tournament in an all-play-all format.

The championship, slated for 1st-9th December, is ongoing at the Dreamfort Chess Hall, at Spintex, Accra, as players battled for the ultimate title.

After four rounds of intense matches, Ghana's International Master, Francis Anquandah is the only unbeaten player and stays at the top of the log, with three points winning two and drawing two matches.

The defending champion, FM John Hasford, however started on a losing note after a shocking defeat at the hands of fellow Olympiad teammate CM Lionel Adu

Joseph Jamena and Edward Sosu are tied on the 2nd and 3rd positions having won three and lost one respectively.

According to Mr. Phillip Ameku, president of the Ghana Chess Association (GCA), the champions would become eligible to represent Ghana at continental events.

A cash prize of Gh¢2,500.00 as well as trophy and medals would be presented to the top three winners.