Nephat Thuku wins Nyeri Open
Nephat Thuku of the Technical University of Kenya won the inaugural Nyeri Open Chess Tournament in grand style.
He remained undefeated in the 6 round event to end up with 5.5 points out of 6 rounds. Mathew Kiama also obtained the same 5.5 points but had a lower tie-break.
The event held over the weekend of 14th and 15th September 2019 saw a total of 58 players battling for honours.
Joseph Methu who is currently the top-ranked player in the country, stumbled in round 4 when he lost to Nephat Thuku.
Joseph Methu ended up with 5 points in joint 2nd place with Martin Kinyanjui and Samuel Were who travelled from Uganda.
Solomon Mburunga was the organiser of the event. Chess Kenya and Greenhills Hotel were the sponsors of the event.
George Githui
The chess tournament also doubled up as a memorial to the late George Githui who died in tragic circumstances in July this year.
George Githui was one of Kenya’s most acclaimed and experienced International Arbiter. The amiable George was a popular figure in the chess circuit.
Prize winners
Senior men champion
1. Nephat Thuku – prize KES 10,000.
1. Mathew Kiama – prize KES 10,000.
3. Joseph Methu -prize KES 5,000.
Senior Women Champion
1. Cheryl Ngima (University of Nairobi) prize KES 5,000.
Best University
Nephat Thuku- TUK.
Under 18 category
Austin Mwiti 11 (years) Peak View Academy.
Under 16 years category
Simeon Diego (Karima Boys High School).
Under 14 years category
Vincent Mugo (Karima High School).
Under 10 years category
Cherise Gacheri (Peak View Academy).
Under 8 years category
Fantalis Nduta (Light House).
Nyeri
Nyeri town is the county headquarters of Nyeri County. The colonial government established it in 1921.
Lieutenant-General Lord Baden-Powell who was the founder of the Scout movement is buried in Nyeri.
Links
Standings & Results of Nyeri Open.
Nyeri is host town for the 2019 Kenya National Youth Chess Championship.
