FM Haruna Nsubuga wins 2019 Rwanda Open
FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda won the 2019 Rwanda Open last weekend. He ended up with 5 points out of 6 rounds.
Mathias Ssonko also of Uganda had the same 5 points but he had a lower tie break. They shared the top two prizes to go home with RWF 250,000 (USD 300) each.
The event attracted 36 players from South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya and hosts Rwanda.
Ugandan players dominated the top 12 places.
Naftaly Wachira was the only player from Kenya. He obtained a respectable 4 points and ended up in 8th position. Valentin Rukimbira of was the highest placed Rwanda with 4 points and in 7th position.
Ndagire Mary Kevin of Uganda who is 13 years old was impressive when she won the top junior and top lady’s prize with 4 points. She ended up in 9th position.
Mathias Ssonko v Farouk Fauza
Mathias Ssonko v Simon Gonza
This was an interest miniature from the event!
Chess activity in Rwanda
Rwanda has a small but vibrant chess community and this is evident from the various events they have hosted over the past few years. See links below.
The Rwanda Chess Federation (FERWADE) is the official organisation affiliated to FIDE. It was registered in 1997.
Kevin Ganza is the President of the federation.
Fun facts about Rwanda
Rwanda is also known as the Land of a Thousand Hills because most of the country is covered by rolling, grassy hills.
The Karisimbi Volcano (4,519 m high) in the Virunga Mountains is the highest point in Rwanda.
Rwanda is the 4th smallest country on the African continent.
Rwanda is only one of three countries in Africa where you can visit Mountain Gorillas in the Wild.
Rwanda’s Parliament has more female members than any other parliament in the world.
Rwanda’s policy is ‘No Plastic Bags Allowed’.
Links
Rwanda Chess Federation website
CM Ben Magana joint winner of 2016 Rwanda Open.
Ssonko wins Rwanda Genocide Chess Championship.
