Kenya National Youth Chess Championships North Rift Region Qualifiers
The Kenya National Youth Chess Championships 2019 (KNYCC) North Rift Region Qualifiers was held on 2nd & 3rd March, in Moi Kapsowar Girls High School, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
A total of 201 students from 9 schools participated in the qualifiers. The schools were: Chebara Boys High School, St. Patrick’s Iten High School, Tambach High School, Kabarnet High School, Sing’ore Girls High School, St. Joseph’s Chepterit Girls, Simotwo Boys High School, Immaculate Heart Juniorate, and the hosts Moi Kapsowar Girls High School. The 6 round Classical event was played over two days with each player having one hour to complete their game.
The following topped their respective age categories and have also qualified for the Final Phase to be held on 5th – 8th April in Nyeri County. Top players were awarded Certificates of Merit while all players got a Certificate of Participation.
Dominance by St Patrick’s Iten
There is an interesting phenomena about this event. St Patrick’s Iten seems to have dominated it. The swept the top 3 places in the U16 and U18 sections. They also took second and third spot in the U14.
You will recall that St Patrick’s Iten has produced some of Kenya’s best runners.
These include Matthew Birir (1992 Olympic Gold 3000 m steeplechase), Wilson Boit Kipketer (2000 Olympic Gold 3000 m steeplechase) & Peter Rono (1998 Olympic Gold 1500 m). David Rudisha (2012 Gold 800 m) is another famous alumni.
The question remains – Will the Kenya’s first IM be a product from this school?
Winners
Under 14 Girls
Alphine Lagat St. Joseph’s Chepterit Girls
Diana Kimutai Sing’ore Girls High School
Ivy Powon Sing’ore Girls High School
Under 14 Boys
Isaac Muchuma Tambach High School
Mutai Felix St. Patrick’s Iten High School
Mwaniki Kelly St. Patrick’s Iten High School
Under 16 Girls
Laurecia Atiagaga Immaculate Heart Juniorate
Maureen Chebet Sing’ore Girls High School
Lynn Anne Sing’ore Girls High School
Under 16 Boys
Wainaina John St. Patrick’s Iten High School
Ombati Ezrah St. Patrick’s Iten High School
Kemboi Dennis St. Patrick’s Iten High School
Under 18 Girls
Sheila Kisorio St. Joseph’s Chepterit Girls
Faith Kemboi Sing’ore Girls High School
Pauline Cherop Sing’ore Girls High School
Under 18 Boys
Kipkoech Vincent St. Patrick’s Iten High School
Kiptoo Alex St. Patrick’s Iten High School
Maroa Nashon St. Patrick’s Iten High School
The next Regional Qualifiers will be the South Nyanza and West Kenya to be held on 9th & 10th March in Kisii School and Kaimosi Girls’ High School respectively.
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