Home Chess News Nairobi Chess Club wins Strathmore University Teams Rapid Event

Nairobi Chess Club wins Strathmore University Teams Rapid Event

264
SHARE

This article is about an event that was held in January 2017 but somehow got missed out in our website.

Poster of the event.
Poster of the event.

Nairobi Chess Club won the Strathmore University Teams Rapid Chess Challenge in grand style.

Strathmore University was the venue for this event that ran from 28th to 29th January 2017.  The Open Section attracted a total of 12 teams.

Sylvia Kamau - Starthmore University Sports Director middle presents the winner's trophy to Nairobi Chess Club players Willy Simons (left) and Mehul Gohil. Photo credit Allan Victor of Arongoey Photography.
Sylvia Kamau – Starthmore University Sports Director middle presents the winner’s trophy to Nairobi Chess Club players Willy Simons (left) and Mehul Gohil. Photo credit Allan Victor of Arongoey Photography.

Nairobi Chess Club obliterated their opposition to finish with 18 match points and 32 game points. Kenya Commercial Bank were their their closest rival with 14 match points and 27.5 game points.  Equity Bank were placed third with 14 match points and 26.5 game points.

Nairobi Chess Club in action against Nairobi Gymkhana. Top from left - Willy Simons, James Panchol, Peter Gilruth and Mehul Gohil.
Nairobi Chess Club in action against Nairobi Gymkhana. Top from left – Willy Simons, James Panchol, Peter Gilruth and Mehul Gohil.

KCB’s experienced Olympians and Equity Bank’s Ugandan import IM Elijah Emojong were unable to dent the more disciplined NCC side of Mehul Gohil, Peter Gilruth, James Panchol, and Willy Simons.  All four main players of Nairobi Chess Club made their domination and strength clear by also winning individual prizes on Boards 1 through 4.

View of the playing hall.
View of the playing hall.

Gold medals for board prizes in the Open section were awarded to: IM Elijah Emojong – Equity Bank Team 1 (Board 1); Peter Gilruth – Nairobi Chess Club (Board 2); James Panchol – Nairobi Chess Club (Board 3) and Peter Diing – Equity Bank Team 1 (Board 4)

Nairobi Chess Club's youth team named "Karjakin Kids". From left Aman Bhari, Andrei Negru, Leone Wachira Wachania, and Matheri Macharia.
Nairobi Chess Club’s youth team named “Karjakin Kids” . From left Aman Bhari, Andrei Negru, Leone Wachira Wachania, and Matheri Macharia.

Tritonite Stars were the winners in the Under 18 section which had a total of 14 teams.

Elimu House Avengers were the winners in the U 12 Section which had a total of 24 teams.

Aman Bhari of Nairobi Chess Club youth team ponders on his move.
Aman Bhari of Nairobi Chess Club youth team “Karjakin Kids” ponders on his move.

Nairobi Chess Club’s youth team baptised “Karjakin Kids” ended up in 16th positions with 9 points.

Full details can be found on Strathmore University Team Rapids.