2021 FIDE Online Rapid World Cup
Kenya’s top junior chess players have just concluded their participation in the 2021 FIDE Online Rapid World Cup (Cadets & Youth).
The event, which ran on the Tornello platform, saw 31 Kenyan juniors participating in various age groups. The top Kenyan was upcoming star Robert Mcligeyo who is rated 1688.
FIDE have endorsed the Tornello platform for the majority of their online events. The platform has become much more popular following the outbreak of the Covid pandemic.
The event saw just over 1,650 players from 104 federations taking part. The United States of America had the biggest contingent of 63 players.
The top-ranked player was WFM Balabayeva Xeniya of Kazakhstan, who has a FIDE rating of 2318.
Elizabeth Cassidy deserves special mention with her impressive performance with 5.5 points out of 10 rounds. She ended up in the 59th position out of 154 players.
Azerbaijan was the top nation at the end of the event with 3 gold medals and one bronze medal.
The Philippines was second with two gold medals, while India was third with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
Team Coaches
Matthew Kanegeni, George Ochieng and Hugh Misiko were the selected coaches to the team.
Rodah Olisa, assisted by Saphinah Kenyando, were the other officials who helped the team.
Government support
The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage sponsored the team, which included the accommodation costs. The plush Golden Tulip Hotel was the hotel venue for the Kenyan team.
Each participant, in addition, received a stipend of KES 40,000 (approximately USD 400) and a complete Team Kenya kit (tracksuit and shoes).
Forthcoming event
In September, Kenyan junior players will now prepare for the forthcoming 2021 Africa Youth Chess Championship in Accra, Ghana.
Links
Standing and Results of the 2021 FIDE Online Rapid World Cup (Cadets & Youth).
Official website of the 2021 FIDE Online Rapid World Cup (Cadets & Youth).