After posting an impressive show at the 42nd World Chess Olympiad that was held in Baku, Azerbaijan last month,
Fide Master (FM) Harold Wanyama extended his skills for his local side on Sunday.
He helped Kireka Chess Club win the 2016 National Chess League that concluded on Sunday at Hotel Africana.
With a 4-1 win over D Mark Chess Club in the 14th and final round, Kireka Chess Club edged out the former champions in a hard fought game to take the top prize with 25 points. Wanyama, who played on top board, led the way with a 1-0 victory over International Master Arthur Ssegwanyi, while Serge Denyl and Shakira Amapaire defeated Ben Magana and Stella Nabasitu on boards four and five with 1-0 wins respectively.
Wanyama, also a four-time Olympiad, had the crucial advantage of playing with white pieces on the first board. He made strong tactical moves against Ssegwanyi right from his opening. His splendid display at the league also earned him an individual board one gold medal.
He told URN that his Club won as a result of team effort and good preparations. “The boards were immersed with very strong players but we prepared well. It is because of team work that we managed to get this win,” he said.
Playing on board two with black pieces, Candidate Master Haruna Nsubuga was held to draw by veteran Patrick Kawuma who is also a four-time Olympiad. The third board saw Olympiad Simon Gonza splitting the points against Walter Okas following perpetual checks to black king by the queen.
The defeat was a hard blow for D Mark Chess Club, who have been champions since 2012.
In division two, Lweza Chess Club took gold with 29 points, while Gambit Chess club and Mulago Rooks Chess Club settled for silver and bronze with 24 and 22 points respectively.
Individual board gold medalists also went to Rajab Kamoga on board two after scoring 9.5 points, Grace Nsubuga (Mulago Rooks) on board three, Thomas Katairo of Mulago Knights on board four and Olympiad Christine Namaganda of City Chess club on board five.
Meanwhile, Mengo Chess Club and Makerere Chess Club have been relegated to Division two after finishing the league in last two places. A total of 30 teams took part in league
Credit | Jacinta W. Odongo Follow full story here.
Leave a Reply