James Panchol continues with his winning ways to stamp his dominance on Kenyan chess.
James Panchol won the inaugural Hotel Kunste Chess Championship held last weekend in Nakuru. He has now won 3 consecutive events this year. These include the 3rd Le Pelley Cup in January, the 8th Capablanca Cup and now the Hotel Kunste Chess Championship.
The event attracted a total of 58 players in the Open and 12 in the Ladies section. The event had a generous prize fund of KES 119,000 (USD 1,190) making it one of the most lucrative events in the region.
Hotel Kunste (Hotel Kunste) the proud sponsors of the event now join a small but growing number of corporates who are stepping up to support chess.
James Panchol who ended with 5.5 out of 6 points went home with the first prize of KES 30,000 (USD 300).
Joseph Methu, Mehul Gohil and Philip Singe tied for 2nd place with 5 points to share a cash prize fund of KES 30,000 (USD 300).
The event was orgainsed by Nakuru Chess Club and who can be proud that this event attracted some of Kenya’s best players including CM Ben Magana, Joseph Methu, Mehul Gohil and WCM Joyce Nyaruai.
Nakuru Chess Club were a powerhouse in Kenyan chess in the late 1990’s and were active in the Kenya National League.
WCM Joyce Nyaruai was in scintillating form when she won the Ladies section with KES 20,000 (USD 200. Lucy Wanjiru and Gwen Jumba tied at joint 2nd place to go home with KES 7,500 (USD 75) each.
