2nd South Sudanese Chess Tournament – Nairobi

The South Sudanese chess playing community in Kenya under the able leadership of Peter Diing managed to host a very successful chess tournament with a prize fund of KES 22,000 (USD 220).  A report has been prepared for this event by Mr Diing.

The 2^nd South Sudan Chess Tournament – Nairobi that was held on 3^rd June 2017 at Eldorado Restaurant just off Thika Road, Nairobi came to a close after 6 rounds of rapid play.

The event attracted 26 players from across the country, a significant improvement from the previous event which only attracted 16 players. It was an exciting event as it attracted a number of new players of great talent.

The defending champion, Deng Ajak from Nakuru, lost his title to a new comer, Ruun Costa, who won all his games (6/6).

After round 5 the battle was between Kenya’s seed 10, James Panchol and underdog Ruun Costa as both had 5/5 points.

In round 6, the two were paired together to determine the overall winner of the tournament and surprisingly, underdog Ruun Costa outplayed James Panchol in what seemed to be a highly tactical game.

Ruun Costa bagged the prize money and went home KES 7,000 (USD 70) richer. Other winners included;

Deng Aguek (5/6) – 1^st runners-up KES 5,000

Ajak Yak (5/6) – 2^nd runners-up KES 3,000

James Panchol (5/6) – 4^th place KES 2,000

Ajak Biar (4/6) – 5^th place KES 1,500

There were also a new category of prizes that was introduced and this included;

Best Upcountry player – Defending Champion Deng Ajak from Nakuru (3/6) won KES 1,000

Best Eldorado player – Chol Yak (4/6) won KES 600

2^nd Best Eldorado player – Majier Mamer (4/6) won KES 400

Best Zimmerman player – Nhial Aguet (4/6) won KES 600

2^nd Best Zimmerman player – Ajuong Panchol (3/6) won KES 400

Despite the challenges that were experienced, the event was successful.

Finally, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following; Kim Bhari of Kenya Chess Masala, Peter Gilruth and Ben Nguku for their financial contributions and Black Knights Chess Club for offering technical support.

Peter Diing is a trained teacher by profession.  He hold a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University (Special Needs Education – visually impaired option).

Mr Diing is also the Executive Director of South Sudan Chess Federation.  He is married to Ajong Atem and blessed with two children, first born Ajang (son) and daughter, Adhieu.

Mr Diing has organise successful tournaments both in South Sudan and in Kenya.  He was the captain of Kenyatta University Chess Club from 2012-2013.

Mr Diing is aspiring to unite youth of South Sudan by preaching peace through the game of Chess.