Kisumu Town Pulls Off Major Chess Event

The lake side town of Kisumu on the weekend of  27th & 28th June 2015 hosted a fantastic and well attended event at the Scottish Tartan Hotel.

Kisumu is a major town in Kenya and is port on Lake Victoria.  I have been there twice in my life. I did not like it a lot and found it uncomfortable.  The first time I visited was in ?? when I went to help organise a chess tournament and the second time was for work.  Those who wish to read more about Kisumu should check out this link – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisumu

Special thanks goes to another True Son of The Soil – Mr McTough of Scottish Tartan Hotel who sponsored this event for a second time in a row!

2014 edition – from left Issac Babu Arbiter, Organiser Andrew Owili, Sponsor Mr McTough & other officials. Photo credit Andrew Owili

Leading the pack was the 2014 winner Ben Magana, John Mukabi (veteran of 7 Olympiads), Philip Singe of KCB, former Kenya Chess Association Chairman Clement Miheso and many other hopefuls.  Of course our Ugandan brothers from just across the border could not resist the temptation of some quick bucks on Kenyan soil.  This time only three of them turned up Nsubuga Haruna and Baagadde Daniel and Obita Francis

I had to miss this event due to prior commitments and lack of time and hence cannot give you some nice action photos.  However my good buddy Satish Deshpande has very kindly given me some photos to share with you.

Ricky Sang in red shirt & Clement Miheso in white jacket

Philip Singe holds his head

Action

Action

Action

Winner Ben Magana (left) v Steve Ouma

Ben Magana did not disappoint his Kenyan fan base when he stormed to victory with a 5.5/6 score.  We take this opportunity to congratulate Ben on his fine performance.