Methu declared new king Of Kenyan Chess

Joseph Methu from KCB is the winner of this year’s Kenya National Chess Championships after he was crowned at Charter Hall on Saturday.

Methu ensured he had one hand on the title in round eight when he held defending champion Mehul Gohil to a draw.

The draw meant that Methu only had to win his last match against team-mate Martin Njoroge on the last day something he did easily to emerge the new champion with a score of 8.5 points.

Speaking after being crowned the new champion, Methu said it had long in coming and believes this will inspire him even more to work harder in future.

“It was a tough tournament with many new young players making it hard for us. This is a great inspiration for me going into the new year. Winning the ultimate prize was worth the time and effort I put in preparing for this event,” he said.

Last year’s winner Mehul Gohil who finished third with eight point after he won his last match against Austine Walele congratulated the new champion and said he is coming back for his title next year.

“As a defending champion, it is always difficult to compete because everyone wants to beat you. I felt the burden this year but next year iam coming to win the title again,” he said.

Equity Bank’s Elvis Likoko finished runners-up in the open section earning Sh.100,000.

Methu on course to win Kenya National Chess Championships

As expected Sasha Mongeli won the ladies category with a perfect score as she beat her ninth opponent Ether Karanja and walked away with the top prize of Sh.100,000.

Last year’s champion Joyce Ndirangu finished second after winning her last round against Veronicah Matei to pocket the Sh.50,000 on offer.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Chess Kenya Vice-Chairman Andrew Owili said the federation will send a team to next month’s Zone 4.5championships in Madagascar.

“It was unfortunate that we did not send a team to the World Amateur after missing out on the visas at the last minute. We shall send the same players to the Zone 4.5 championships and so we urge them to continue to be ready,” he said.

Gohil edges closer to third national chess title