Top players rule Day One of the Kenya National Chess Championships
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 11.12.24. | 20:19
Three-time National Champion Gohil Mehul started well by bringing down Collins Young proving once again that age and experience can outmaneuver youthful pawns
There were no surprises as the Kenya National Chess Championships started at Makini School on Wednesday.
With a brand new car at stake for the winner, the top players easily won their opening matches putting themselves in a good position to emerge winners.
The top boards delivered some intense battles as players maneuvered their way into the tournament.
Continental Champion Nathaniel Manyeki (1746) faced seasoned CM Ben Magana (2069) in a clash where experience ruled the board.
Despite Manyeki’s opening moves, Magana’s masterful strategy ensured the young lion couldn’t castle his way to safety.
National Junior Champion Hawi Kaloki (2020) was set to face Kimani Hubert (1739).
However, Kimani missed the opening gambit by not showing up, leaving Kaloki with a free point.
Three-time National Champion Gohil Mehul started well by bringing down Collins Young proving once again that age and experience can outmaneuver youthful pawns.
Former National Champion Dr. Victor Ngani (1953) made light work of U20 player Wanjiru Chrisphinus (1722).
Defending Champion Joseph Methu (1976) started strong, knighting his way past Leon Malombe (1732) for a comfortable first-round victory.
In the ladies’ section, all the top guns easily picked wins in the first round.
Defending National Ladies Champion and Kenya's highest-rated female player, WFM Sasha Mongeli (1845), delivered a crushing defeat to former JKUAT champ Veronica Matei (1582).
Former National Champion WCM Joyce Ndirangu commanded the board, effortlessly defeating Bhavsar Nisha Nileshbhai (1561). It was a textbook endgame for Nyaruai.
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On board three WCM Jully Mutisya (1809) triumphed over the talented U16 junior Angel Kagambi, proving that bishops and queens can outwit youthful aggression.
Junior Ladies Champion Zuri Kaloki (1727) won against fellow junior Mutwol Cherry (1558) in a game that saw Zuri rook her way to victory.
Africa Youth Bronze Medalist Elizabeth Cassidy (1704) overwhelmed U14 junior Fantalis Nduta (1438), leaving no room for stalemates.
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