Dominic Carlos Kiema wins 2021 Eastlands Open Chess Tournament
Dominic Carlos Kiema was the surprise winner of the 2021 Eastlands Open Chess Tournament held over Jamhuri Day at the imposing Jim Lizer Hotel within Buru Buru. He was the clear winner with 6 points out of 6 rounds.
The 6 round 25-minute event saw over 40 players battling it out for top honours. Ben Nguku and James Panchol, who are some of the country’s top players, ended in second and third place respectively with 5 points each. Stanley Omondi and Thomas Nzuki were the other two players who obtained 5 points each.
The star attraction was World Amateur U1700 Women Champion Glenda Madelta, who seemed off form and ended with 3 points in 20th place.
Sponsors of the event included CKF President Wanjala KES 20,000, Rodgers Adai KES 10,000, Dr Victor Ngani KES 3,000 and other supporters.
Brief history of Eastlands Chess Club
Eastlands Chess Club has been in existence since around the1980s. Several top players like Larry Kagambi, Joseph Kanyingi, and FM Steve Ouma started their careers at the club. The club was a regular participant in the Kenya National League.
Geoffrey Mulaga was for a long time the Chairman of the club before retiring from active chess.
The club meets at the Jericho at Famrock Center daily from 5 pm on weekdays and from 2 pm on weekends. Several kids have joined their popular training program.
Plans are underway to organise the Nairobi Eastlands Open Junior Tournament targeting school-going children.
Edwin Odhiambo is the current Chairman of Eastlands Chess Club, while Christine Karoki is the Secretary, Oscar Mutune the Treasurer. Shadrack Odour is the Captain of the club.
