Report by John Mukabi
At the close of the second day of the ongoing 2022 Kenya Open Chess Championships at The Luke Hotel, Nairobi, five players are at a maximum of 4 points each, with some surprises as little known Ugandans Emmanuel Mukose and Emmanuel Egesa lead as first and second, respectively.
Joining them with fours points are the Kenyan trio of Joseph Methu, surprise package Brian Irungu and veteran CM Benjamin Magana to complete the top five, respectively.
Other Kenyans in the top ten are James Kabui, who drew with fifth seed FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda in round four, and 17-year-old Rocky Muchiri, who floored Uganda’s Micheal Mawanda.
Another Kenyan was the 2019 Kenya National Champion Mehul Gohil, who held the mighty second seed FM Patrick Kawuma to a draw.
17-year-old Robert McLigeyo, who is in the Kenyan Olympiad team, defeated Kenya National Champion Martin Njoroge in a major upset of the day.
Pre-tournament favourite IM Arthur Ssegwanyi, who is playing catch up after a shock loss in round one to little known Kenyan Christian Nderi, is currently at position 31. In round four against Willy Simons of Nairobi Chess Club, he survived a scare, winning a lost position.
In the ladies section top seed, WCM Joyce Ndirangu is the sole leader at four points after downing Milly Takali of Uganda.
Lying second and third on 3.5 points each, Kenyans WFM Sasha Mongeli and Jully Mutisya. Lying fifth and still in contention is the World Amateur Woman U1700 Champion Madelta Glenda on 3 points with eight others.
Today’s round five is the heavyweight clash between WFM Sasha Mongeli and WCM Joyce Ndirangu, while Jully Mutisya faces six-time Olympian Gloria Jumba.
All Photo credits – Oliver Ananda
2022 Kenya Open on chess-results.com.
2022 Kenya Open Day 1 Report.
Aluta Continua on the 2022 Kenya Open by Mehul Gohil.
Joseph Methu wins 2019 Kenya Open.
FM Harold Wanyama wins 2018 Kenya Open.
