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Wanyama wins East Africa Chess championship

chess championships in East Africa

Wanyama secured a crucial draw against Kenyan Ben Nguku in the closing round to win the East Africa Chess championship at Lugogo on Easter Monday.

The draw ensured that Wanyama, who gathered seven points, beat Nguku to the sh0.5m top cash prize by half a point. It was regular campaigner Wanyama’s first major victory.

Olympiad-bound Wanyama beat defending champion Hassan Mulambe, George Mwanga, Davis Agaba, Emma Baligeya and drew with Bob Bibasa and Nguku.

Nguku shared second position with Ugandans Bibasa, Emma Mwaka and veteran Grace Nsubuga.

They pocketed sh165,000 each in the event sponsored by Fountain Publishers.

The men’s category attracted 86 chess players including 10 Kenyans and one Sudanese.

Kenya’s other outstanding performer, Nathan Ateka, finished 15th while Kenya’s highest-rated player, Ben Magana was a dismal 25th with 4.5 points.

Violet Atuhura with 6.5 edged Joan Butindo on Bucholz tie-break to win the women’s contest.

Youngster Brian Rumanzi won the prize for the most brilliant game of the tournament after he floored seven-time Olympiad Shadrack Kantinti in only 28 moves.

Rumanzi twice sacked a rook for a pawn in the game but Kantinti could not touch the rook as the resultant threats on his king were so enormous.

East Africa Chess tournament Men results

1. H. Wanyama 7 points

2. B. Bibasa 6.5

3. B. Nguku 6.5

4. E. Mwaka 6.5

5. G. Nsubuga 6.5

6. E. Otella 6

7. F. Okiring 6

8. J. Wegoye 6

9. M. Nkonge 6

10. E. Baligeya 6

East Africa Chess tournament Women results

1. V. Atuhura 6.5 points

2. J. Butindo 6.5

3. R. Nansove 5.5

4. C. Namaganda 5.5

Source: AllAfrica website


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