Eugene Kagabo wins 2016 Rwanda Open
Eugene Kagabo of Rwanda put up a fine performance to win the inaugural Rwanda Open Chess Tournament which ended on 1st February 2016.
Eugene Kagabo ended up with 6/7 points and tied with CM Ben Magana who had the same number of points but ended up in second position on tie breaks. The top prize was RWF 140,000 (USD 180).
This 4 day event was sponsored by Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa which is a great boost to Rwandan chess.
In a further effort to boost African chess the Kasparov Chess Foundation sponsored 6 Burundian players and Daniel Sangi Buhuti from Democratic Republic of Congo. The top Burundian player was Deo Ntagasigumwani who ended in 4th position with a respectable 5 points. I am happy to see Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa providing support for one of Africa’s gem.
The Rwanda Chess Federation must move swiftly to get corporate support and get it’s infrastructure in terms of membership income, venue, Chess in Schools without any delay. Being a small nation it will make it much easier to get things moving.
We at Kenya Chess Masala look forward to the next event. The full cross-table for this event can be found here Rwanda Open.
Theotime Rutaremara v CM Ben Magana
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