Last Saturday, on the 5th of October 2024, Moi International Educational Centre hosted an exciting rapid tournament for youths aged 23 and below. Organised by Nairobi Chess Academy, this event presented a nice little break from classical tournaments. With 30 minutes as the time control, players got to engage in fast-paced games where preparation, calculation and time management skills were put to the test. The event attracted the top youth chess players from the region. Notably, Olympians McLigeyo and Mutuge who recently represented Kenya at the 45th World Chess Olympiad graced the tournament. The Kalokis, winners of the recent Victoria U21 tournament were also in the lineup. Another powerhouse of Kenyan chess, the Muchokis, were also in contention for the crown in the U23 section. Many more promising players including Christian Mwamba and Timothy Mwabu were also in contention for the top prize.
Other sections included U18, U16, U14, U12, U10 ,U8 and U6, each being awarded separately.
The first round was a one-sided affair; ratings did not lie. Except for one game. The unrated Joshua Levi stunned one Alfa Saibala(1615) with a swift victory.
The results of the second round largely correlated with the ratings as well. One upset however, a term that may no longer be applicable to our juniors, was when Christian Mwamba(1495) at only 12 years, beat Timothy Mwabu(1775).
In round three, the talented juniors Nathaniel and Christian respectively held McLigeyo and Karani to draws. Clearly, these juniors are no longer playing “junior chess” and are well in the pack with the other top Kenyan players in the rating range of 1800 to 1900.
In round four, things got tight. Players were closer in terms of strength and the board results were highly unpredictable. The Olympians outwitted their opponents to maintain a strong lead. On board 3 was a fire junior showdown between Nathaniel and Christian. Christian won with black in impressive fashion.
Round five saw an interesting clash between the Olympians. McLigeyo, younger but perhaps more experienced, carried the day. Kaloki outwitted the young champ Christian to maintain a strong standing. Meanwhile on board 3 was Mwabu vs Chrisphinus, both of whom had toiled their way up the boards despite hurdles in their earlier rounds. Sadly one had to be pushed down once again after the encounter. Chrisphinus won with black.
Going into the final round, McLigeyo was the clear leader with 4.5/5 points, followed by Mutuge, Kaloki, Kelly and Chris, each at 4/5 points. The tension was high- Something I believe all chess players can relate. The result of the final round makes or breaks your tournament: It either makes a podium finish or a disappearance into the invisible sub-top-five crowd. A decent standing or a disastrous outing. Sometimes, it can mean a gain or loss of elo. And in future, the hopes of qualifying for the national championships via the grand prix system will be to a great extent hinged on the final rounds of tournaments. This tournament’s final round was a thrilling one. McLigeyo, Hawi and Mutuge all delivered on their boards to secure podium finishes. The interesting clash between Christian and Isaiah ended in a draw, which landed them in joint 5th position together with Chrisphinus, Kelly and Zuri. Ezekiel Karani was the sole occupier of fourth position with an impressive 4.5/6.
The winners in all sections are highlighted below.
U23
1. Robert McLigeyo – 5.5 points
2. Ian Mutuget – 5 points
3. Hawi Kaloki – 5 points
U18
1. Aguda Lwanga – 5.5 points
2. Angel Gilana Muthoni – 4.5 points
3. Sean Mugo – 4.5 points
4. Abubakar Talib – 4.5 points
5. Rishaan Rupani – 4.5 points
6. Josiah Katende -4.5 points
U16
1. Daniel Baraka Simiyu – 5 points
2. Mael Machogu Mwangu – 5 points
U14 Open
1. Justin Lekishon – 5 points
2. Errol Muhoro – 5 points
3. Kwanza Njau – 5 points
4. Jean-Christophe Mugisha – 5 points
U14 Girls
1. Hope Kairo – 5.5 points
2. Merlyne Ashley – 5 points
3. Eglah Shukrani – 5 points
4. Wema Macharia – 5 points
U12 Open
1. Austin Mwangi -5 points
2. Jonas Ah Poe Jonas-5 points
3. Francis Ndiritu-5 points
4. Murigu Kanuri-5 points
5. Krishiv Shah-5 points
6. Arnold Githaiga-5 points
7. Kwame Lubanga -5 points
U12 Girls
1. Angela Kendi- 6 points
2. Jasmine Akinyi Ochieng- 5.5 points
3. Zahra Dimba- 5.5 points
U10 Open
1. Njiriri D. Muiruri – 6 points
2. Nathan Baraka Mugambi- 6 points
3. Caleb Antony- 5.5 points
U10 Girls
1. Jadarudo Achieng- 6 points
2. Siddhi Vishal Jakharia- 5.5 points
3. Salma Nkatha Mwenda- 5 points
4. Esther Mutua- 5 points
5. Cherish Addah- 5 points
6. Natasha Moki- 5 points
7. Sesenet Katai- 5 points
U8 Open
1. Reagan Jabali- 6 points
2. Bowen Waikwa- 6 points
3. Taye Kamau- 6 points
U8 Girls
1. Cheryl Milada- 5 points
2. Stephanie Mukeni Mbugua- 5 points
3. Shanice Kendi- 4.5 points
U6 Open
1. Baraka Jackson- 5.5 points
2. Emmanuel Henry- 5 points
3. Akim Jabali- 5 points
4. Antwan Jayson- 5 points
5. Rayvon Kirega- 5 points
U6 Girls
1. Amini Muhani- 6 points
2. Cheruto Waikwa- 5 points
3. Zoey Chebet- 4 points
4. Mumtaza Gedi Ukash- 4 points