Joseph Methu wins 2019 Kenya Open
Joseph Methu carved his name into Kenyan chess history when he won the 2019 Kenya Open. He finished the tournament with an impressive 6.5 points from 7 rounds.
Joseph Methu played Brian Adorwa in the last round with both players having 5.5 points. The winner of this match would become the Kenya Open King.
The four-day tournament held at KCB Leadership Center, Karen over the Easter attracted over 150 players. Players from both Uganda and South Sudan took part.
Mathias Ssonko on board 2 defeated Ben Nguku.
Mathias Ssonko v Ben Nguku
Joseph Methu walked home a happy man with the grand prize of KES 100,000 ( USD 1,000). James Panchol of South Sudan and Ugandan Mathias Ssonko tied in second place to each walk home with KES 40,000 (USD 400).
Brian Adorwa, CM John Mukabi and James Kabui tied on fourth place to each win KES 20,000 (USD 200).
Ladies section
WCM Joyce Nyaruai the defending champion won the Ladies section with a round to spare. She defeated the stubborn Triza Mwendwa in her last game to maintain her 100% score. WCM Nyaruai went home with a whooping KES 50,000 (USD 500).
WFM Sasha Mongeli faced 2018 National Champion Gloria Jumba, in a match that would decide who would take 2nd place. Gloria Jumba showcased why she was crowned National Champion after squeezing a win in a drawn position.
WFM Sasha then had to settle for fifth place and walked home with KES 5,000 (USD 50). Gloria Jumba, Edna Ronoh and Cynthia Awino of all tied on 2nd place and won KES 20,000 (USD 200) each.
Junior section
CM Lwanga Odongo won the Junior section with 5.5 points out of 6 rounds.
Sponsor
KCB Group Limited were the title sponsors of the event to the tune of KES 400,000 (USD 4,000). It was the second year running that they have sponsored the event.
Links
Standings & Results of the 2019 Kenya Open.
Methu leads 2019 Kenya Open Day 3 Report.
FM Harold Wanyama wins 2018 Kenya Open.