Davion Mars secured the inaugural Pegasus Weekly Chess League title with a round to spare after extending his lead to 1½ points following Monday’s sixth round at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

Mars, who entered the round with five consecutive wins, received an approved half-point bye because of overseas travel commitments, taking his tally to 5½ points.

Under the league’s regulations, players may request up to two half-point byes with sufficient justification. With his nearest challengers on four points and only one round remaining, Mars is mathematically assured of the championship.

The contest for the remaining podium positions, however, remains open, with three players tied on four points.

Keron Sandiford retained second place despite forfeiting his game against Jaden Taylor, who climbed to third on the applicable tie-breaks, ahead of Oluwadare Oyeyipo.

Oyeyipo also remained on four points after drawing with Ryan McKay, missing an opportunity to move ahead of his rivals.

Meanwhile, the league’s youngest participant, Sachin Beharry, recorded his first victory by defeating Annastasya Marcano. The win lifted him to 2½ points and ninth place.

Mars leads the standings on 5½ points, followed by Sandiford, Taylor and Oyeyipo on four each. McKay, Odinnie Reece and Martin Poon are tied on 3½, while Woman Candidate Master Jessica Callender has three points.

Beharry has 2½ points, Raymond Sookdeo and Owen Mickle have two each, Sana Sreebalakumar has 1½, Marcano has one, and Juliana Persaud remains without a point.

The seventh and final round is scheduled for October 26 at the Pegasus Hotel.

The league is organised by Drayton’s Chess Club in partnership with the Pegasus Chess Club and the Guyana Chess Federation.

Interested players can visit Drayton’s Chess Club on Facebook to join the waiting list for the second season and receive further information.