Home Chess News Nguku wins 2018 Machakos Open

Nguku wins 2018 Machakos Open

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Ben Nguku put up an impressive show of strength when he clinched the Machakos Open Chess Tournament.

WFM Krishi Shah was in fine form when she cruised to a comfortable win in the Ladies section.  She scored 5.5 points out of 6 points.

CM Lwanga Aguda was the clear winner in the Junior section.

Poster of the event.
Poster of the event.

The event was a resounding success which attracted a total of 138 players.  The event held over the weekend of 5th & 6th May 2018 had 3 sections.  There were 49 players in the Open section, 30 in the Ladies section and 59 in the Junior section.

Ben Nguku (left) receives his prize from Mr Benjamin Musela.
Ben Nguku (left) receives his prize from Mr Benjamin Musela.

The cash prize fund was a massive KES 110,000 (USD 1,100).  Time control was 60 minutes plus 30 seconds for the Open and Ladies Section.  Juniors played over one day with 25 minute time control.

The top 5 boards had live transmission thanks to Terrian Chess Academy who provided the equipment.

WFM Kirshi Shah receives her prize from Chess Kenya Sectary General John Mukabi.
WFM Kirshi Shah receives her prize from Chess Kenya Sectary General John Mukabi.

Other participants included players from Dove Chess Academy from Uganda who clinched a total of 3 gold and 1 bronze medal.

The closing ceremony was graced by University Education and Research Principal Secretary Prof Japheth Micheni Ntiba.

Other guests included Machakos Director of Sports Stephen Kilonzi, Machakos School Principal Indimuli Kahi and Chess Kenya Chairman Benard Wanjala.

Poster of the Eldoret Open.
Poster of the Eldoret Open.

The event was organised by Lighthouse Chess Club (LHCC) of Mombasa.  LHCC have played a key role in the revitalisation of Kenyan chess.  They have organised a number of key events in Kenya and include the 2017 Mombasa Open and the 2018 Eldoret Open.