The 2022 East African Open Chess Tournament ended with a two-way tie at the top. FM Harold Wanyama and CM Ben Magana scored six points each to share the top two cash prizes of KES 50,000 and KES 30,000. FM Harold Wanyama was, however, declared the winner due to a superior tie-break.
Limbikani Chitundu of Zambia was second with 5.5 points, and he took home KES 20,000.
WCM Joyce Nyaruai of Kenya, Ezekiel Masiko and Emmanuel Egesa both of Uganda ended in joint third place to equally share the total cash prize of KES 22,500. In addition, WCM Joyce Nyaurai won the Ladies prize, which came with an additional cash award of KES 50,000.
The final round promised to be a cliffhanger with FM Harold Wanyama with five points taking on Brian Irungu, who had four points on board one.
On the second board, CM Ben Magana, with five points, faced Matthew Kanegeni, who had four points.
A victory for FM Wanyama and CM Magana would see them share first prize. On the other hand, a win for FM Wanyama and a loss by CM Magana would see FM Wanyama take the top prize.
A loss for FM Wanyama and a win for CM Magana would see CM Magana take the top prize.
The final round turned out to be a major disappointment for fans when Matthew Kanegeni failed to turn up for the event. CM Ben Magana thus got free a point to end up in joint first with FM Wanyama, who defeated Brian Irungu.
In the U1800 section, Joseph Maigua played well to score 5.5 points and scoop the first prize of KES 20,000.
The U1600 section saw a tie between Christian Nderi and Moses Bejon. Both scored 5.5 points to end up in joint first and equally share the cash prizes of KES 10,000 and KES 5,000.
All photo credits – Eastmond Mwenda
2022 East African Open on chess-results.com.
East African Open Chess Tournament – Day 1 Report.
East African Open Chess Tournament – Day 2 Report.
Invitational letter for the 2022 East African Open Chess Tournament.
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John Than Ngony wins 2020 Lighthouse Chess Club U21 Tournament.
