G. WanderaChess Kenya send two players to World Cup qualifier event in Cairo
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 05.05.23. | 14:19
World chess body FIDE has granted Africa four slots to next year’s World Cup.
Kenya has sent two players to the which starts in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday.
The nine-day event will run until May 14 and is a qualifier for next year’s World Cup.
The two players to represent Kenya are Robert Macligeyo and Joyce Nyaruai.
The two were winners of the final phase of national team selection, described by many as one of the toughest tournaments to played in the country.
World chess body FIDE has granted Africa four slots to next year’s World Cup.
One has already been taken by Egyptian star Grandmaster Amin Bassem who is in top 100.
The three slots are yet to be taken and the Kenyans will be among 100 players fighting for them.
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The world cup is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan from 29th July -25th August 2023.
Chess Kenya Federation Bernard Wanjala says they were constrained by lack of funds in sending a bigger team to Cairo but remains confident the two will do well.
“They are our best and we have a lot of hope they will do well,” he said.
Macligeyo is out for other motives. The under 18 junior is seeking to position himself to becoming the first Kenyan International Master and later Grandmaster.
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Such high-profile tournament is what he needs to grow his ratings and gain necessary experience.
He demonstrated his commitment by breaking in national team twice by age of 16 and also became the highest rated player in the country.
Nyaruai on the other hand will be out to give a short to World Cup slot. She will be out also to seek revenge to the Wafa WGM sisters who had a field day during Kenya Open held last month in Nairobi.
The tournament has attracted players from 24 African Nations.
