The most intense chess events are the ones where 2 contestants are pitted against each other for a limited number of games under the full glare of the media.
Last week saw such action with the bad boy of Kenyan chess Mehul Gohil aka “Gorilla” take on Bryan Toboso aka “Tobasco” in a highly publicised 4 bout match that was broadcast on Youtube to a world wide audience. See KBC coverage – KBC coverage of the match.
The beautiful setting for this event was the chic Bobo’s which is located at the Kenol Petrol Station in South C.
The curtain raiser for the event was a 4 round blitz match between Joseph Methu and Githinji Hinga in which Joseph cruised to a comfortable 3.5-2.5 win.
This event was meant to be a walk in the park for Mehul Gohil who is rated almost 220 Elo points above Bryan Toboso. In fact many commentators were predicting a whitewash 4-0 victory for Mehul Gohil.
Bryan Toboso did not disappoint his supporters when he defeated a stunned Mehul Gohil in their first game. It was in game 2 that Bryan Toboso missed a simple chance to consolidate his lead when he could have drawn the game by perpetual check but fancied his chances for a win with an ominous discovered check but he was a move behind. Mehul took advantage of this and managed to defeat Bryan in this vital game 2. Mehul Gohil then managed to win Game 3 and 4 giving him the title 3-1.
This event was put together by CEO of Terrian Chess Academy Brian Kidula and was supported by a number of well wishers who raised a total of KES 36,200 (USD 360) which was used to defray expenses of this top class event. Sponsors included; Jacob Aliet, Paul Oketch, James Kirimi, Ben Nguku, Nicodemus Kimari, Ricky Sang, P. Shah, Tom Amwai, Rodgers Adai and Dr Mwashe.
A full analysis of the 4 games will be uploaded on this website in the following week.
Special appreciation also goes to Dixon Lites Production for the lighting and Take2-Afrika Media Ltd for the video coverage both of which were part of their generous sponsorship package for this historic event.
Other thanks goes to Joe Wambua who provided the props for the event.
All photo credits to Allan Victor of Arongoey Photography. For more photos see Photos from Mehul Gohil v Bryan Toboso Match.
