Home Chess News WCM Joyce Ndirangu grabs the lead in World Championship event

WCM Joyce Ndirangu grabs the lead in World Championship event

October 23, 2021

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WCM Joyce Ndirangu grabs the lead in World Championship event

Report by CM John Mukabi

WCM Joyce Ndirangu consolidated her lead at the top of the Women section by half a point. She defeated compatriot Lucy Wanjiru in Round 6 during the ongoing World Amateur Chess Championship.

WCM Joyce Ndirangu Nyaruai of Kenya. Photo credit John Mukabi.

Madelta Glenda (Elo 1417) is still second on tie-break among four players on 4.5 points each. She held the experienced 75-year-old visually impaired Dorina Florea of Romania (Elo 1687) to a draw in round six.

WCM Joyce Ndirangu Nyaruai takes on Dorina Florea of Romania in round 4 in a game she lost. Photo credit John Mukabi.

With three rounds left, this leaves Kenya well on course for a potential podium finish in the Ladies U1700 Section.

WCM Joyce Ndirangu v WCM Lucy Wanjiru

Round 7

In Round 7 today, all eyes will be on Women Boards 1, where WCM Joyce Ndirangu faces 12-year-old unrated Kazak player Daniya Suerkulova. Madelta Glenda on board two plays the tricky Maria Trivella of Greece.

WCM Lucy Wanjiru on board four could have a chance for medal prospects after bouncing back with a win against Eibhia Mhuireagain (Elo 1692) of Ireland in round six.

Madelat Glenda v Laryssa Zanini Borghezan

Madelta Glenda waiting for her opponent. Photo credit John Mukabi.

Open Section

Veteran CM Ben Magana and Sadam Sheikh were the other Kenyan winners in the U2300 and U1700 sections. There were draws for Jackson Ndegwa, Martin Njoroge and drawing expert Philip ‘Rook’ Singe in the U2000 section.

It was a rare three consecutive defeats for both Mehul Gohil and Joseph Methu, losing vital Elo points in the process. It was the first time Kenya scored below 50% of the total 11 points up for grabs per round.