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Team Togo set for Batumi Olympiad

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Team Togo are all set for the 2018 Batumi Olympiad!

Federation Togolaise des Echecs joined FIDE recently in 2012.  In contrast Kenya joined FIDE in 1980.

Togo will be making their 4th Olympiad appearance having played in the 2012, 2014 & 2016 editions.

Venue for the Togo Olympiad Qualifiers - Ibis Lomé Centre
Venue for the Togo Olympiad Qualifiers – Ibis Lomé Centre

The Olympiad selection event was held at the Ibis Lomé Centre Hotel is located in the capital town of Lome.  Ibis Lomé Centre provided the venue on a complimentary basis as part of their sponsorship.

The playing hall of the Togo Olympiad Qualifiers.
The playing hall of the Togo Olympiad Qualifiers.

A total of 14 players battled it out in an event that had 7 rounds over 3 days.  The dates were from 4th to 6th March 2018.

Who will be the Champion of Togo? Ajavon Ayayi (left) shakes his opponent's hand Noel Fumey.
Who will be the Champion of Togo? Ajavon Ayayi (left) shakes his opponent’s hand Noel Fumey.

Botsoe Koffi emerged the the winner of this hotly contested event.  He obtained an impressive 6 points out of 7 game.  Koffi’s past 3 Olympiad experiences will be extremely useful for the team.

Team Togo. From top left Botsoe Koffi (board 1), Amewounou Komlan Kouessan (board 2), CM Ephoevi-Ga Adama Mawulikplimi (board3). Bottom row from left Kara Kolani-Banake Sopague (board 4) & Numatsi Yawotsu Dzigba (reserve) - . Bottom left (board 4) and bottom right Kouvi Mawuvi Koue (board 3) & non playing captain Kouevi Mawuvi Koue.
Team Togo. From top left Botsoe Koffi (board 1), Amewounou Komlan Kouessan (board 2), CM Ephoevi-Ga Adama Mawulikplimi (board3). Bottom row from left Kara Kolani-Banake Sopague (board 4) & Numatsi Yawotsu Dzigba (reserve) – . Bottom left (board 4) and bottom right Kouvi Mawuvi Koue (board 3) & non playing captain Kouevi Mawuvi Koue.

Amewounou Komlan Kouessan was runners up with 5.5 points out of 7 games.  He first played in the 2012 Istanbul Olympiad and will be on board 2.

CM Ephoevi-Ga Adama Mawulikplimi was 2nd runners up with 5 points.  He will be on board 3.

Kolani-Banake Sopague was 4th with 4.5 points.  He will play on board 4 on his maiden Olympiad debut.

Numatsi Yawotsu Dzigba was 5th with 4.5 points and will play as the reserve player.  He will also be making his maiden Olympiad debut.

The Ladies team have made two appearances at the Olympiad (2014 & 2016).   This year’s Ladies team were selected based on performance.

Team Togo Ladies. Top row from left Mrs Edoh Ama (Board 1), Esse Akua Kosife (Board 2), Gisele Dzagnkpo. Bottom row from left Carine Awoussi & Ivana De'Souza.
Team Togo Ladies. Top row from left Mrs Edoh Ama (Board 1), Esse Akua Kosife (Board 2), Gisele Dzagnkpo. Bottom row from left Carine Awoussi & Ivana De’Souza.

Mrs Edoh Ama & Esse Akua Kosife will be making their 2nd appearance on boards 1 and 2 respectively.  Other players include Ivana De’Souza, Carine Awoussi and Gisele Dzagnkpo.

Final standing of the Togo Olympiad Qualifiers
Final standing of the Togo Olympiad Qualifiers.