Kenya ends World Youth Chess Championships on a high
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 10.11.24. | 18:18
National Junior ladies champion Zuri finished the tournament with 5.5 points, the highest ever by a Kenyan player at this stage
In a riveting tenth round, Team Kenya demonstrated strategic resilience and determination, collectively delivering an impressive total of four points as the World Youth Chess Championships wound up in Brazil on Saturday.
Jabu Gachwe Kariuki who had a slow start finished on a high as he held his ground to hold Brazilian player Bisconsin Raul rated 1440.
It was a tactical tussle, but Gachwe’s careful moves kept things even.
Wesley Gitau Njau faced a formidable challenge from another Brazilian, Da Silva Kauan Carlos Cardoso (1562). Wesley’s tenacity was evident as he played with determination but lost in the end game.
Francis Njenga (1455) took on Chile’s Saa Manriquez Gaspar Facundo, showing grit in his moves and was unlucky to lose.
Hope Muthoni delivered a remarkable performance, clinching a victory against Orsini Sarah De Oliveira (1400) from Brazil in a girls under-14 match.
Muthoni displayed a solid strategy through-out to overwhelm her opponent.
Valma Njoki faced Chile’s Saa Manriquez Antonia Valentina (1456), fighting a challenging game which she unfortunately lost.
Zuri Kaloki the national Junior Ladies Champion (1624), showcased her championship skills with a stunning win over Romania’s Semenova Vasylyna (1882).
It was a masterstroke from Zuri as she finished the tournament with 5.5 points, the highest ever by a Kenyan player at this stage.
Natalie Watitu scored another win for the team, overcoming Chile’s Prado Vasquez Tabata Josefa.
Lisa Wanjiru also secured a win against Bolivia’s Justiniano Flores Tsuyoko Fernanda, adding another point with a carefully calculated endgame.
First timer Simiyu Daniel Baraka (1565) showed impressive control, delivering a solid draw against Estonia’s Karis Fredi (1637) in a boys under-16 match.
It was a game of balance, with both players holding their ground.
Hawi Kaloki, the National Junior Champion (1872), delivered a powerful win against Argentina’s Parrilla Juan Jose (1940) as he ended the tournament on a high.
Speaking on the performance, Chess Kenya president Bernard Wanjala said;
"Overall, the entire group of young players who travelled to Brazil have shown immense promise. They have held their own against some of the world’s best proving they have the potential to excel even further."
