Upsets dominate Day 1 of Kiambu Open Chess Championship
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 10.05.25. | 22:01
Former national champion Martin Njoroge also suffered a shock round one defeat after going down to ten-year-old Nathaniel Manyeki
Kabbis Robby of Strathmore Chess Club registered the sole upset at the Kiambu Open Chess Championship on day one, forcing former national champion Benjamin Magana to resign.
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The tournament, coming back after a five-year absence, is being held at Rainbow Resort in Ruiru and has attracted a record 210 players.
Magana, also the national team head coach, is one of the highest-rated players in the two-day tournament with a rating of 2052.
Former national champion Martin Njoroge also suffered a shock round one defeat after going down to ten-year-old Nathaniel Manyeki.
Manyeki is the current under-9 national champion and is a former African gold medalist in the same category.
He delivered a sharp tactical game that left his opponent with the brutal choice of losing either his queen or his rook, ultimately losing the queen and the game.
The defeat was so disheartening that Njoroge appeared visibly shaken, reportedly hinting at an early exit from the tournament.
After two rounds of play, favourite South Sudan’s Madol Garang, compatriot Peter Majur, as well as national champion Robert Macligeyo, were among the players who picked maximum points.
Macligeyo easily beat KCB teammate Hawi Kaloki.
Nakuru Open champion Panchol Madol also started on a positive note, as did former national champion Joseph Methu.
The ladies' section, which has attracted 48 players, was not without drama as well.
Despite registering a round one win against Silvia Wahito, second seed Jully Mutisya from Equity Chess Club was held to a surprising draw by Kimani Wanjiru from Nairobi Chess Academy and Club.
Nicole Albright, who finished third in Nakuru last weekend, also had a good start, stopping Vivian Muthoni in round one.
Former African champion Winnie Kaburo got a walkover against Channel Mackenzie, who did not turn up for their round one fixture.
After two rounds, eight players are at the top with two points each. They include Gichuga Wanjiru, Winnie Kaburo, Nicole Kungu, Nicole Albright, Nashipae Bella, Angel Muthoni and Sidhi Vishal.
In the Open section, 15 players picked up two points each.
The tournament ends on Sunday, where the winners will share a prize fund of Ksh225,000.
The winner of the open section will pocket Ksh40,000 while the women's winner walks away with Ksh30,000.
Apart from the decent prize fund, players will also earn points towards making it to the national team.
The Kiambu Open is part of the Grand Prix events being used to select a national team.
It is the fourth such event being held this year.
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