Zadock Nyakundi holds CM Ben Magana to a draw in 2021 Championship

Zadock Nyakundi caused a major upset when he held top seed CM Ben Magana to a draw in the 1st round of the 2021 Kenya National Chess Championship. CM Ben Magana is rated 2081, while Zacdock Nyakundi is rated 1472 and ranked 74th in the starting list.

Zadock Nyakundi played well to hold CM Ben Magana to a draw.

The 41 move game saw Zadock Nyakundi with a bishop pair against Magana’s bishop & knight when they agreed to a draw. However, it was clear that Zadock Nyakundi had a far superior position and should have tried to push for a win with this technical position.

Top seed CM Ben Magana in action. Photo credit Oliver Ananda.

CM Ben Magana v Zadock Nyakundi

Other upsets

The event lived up to its expectations, with relatively unknown Brian Gabriel Mwangi dismissing Jackson Kamau, one of Kenya’s top players in round one.

In round two, FM Martin Gateri, who is rated 2068 and second seed, drew against Victor Hongo (Elo 1709).

Coming back from retirement FM Martin Gateri (left) takes on Victor Hongo in round two that ended in a draw. Photo credit Oliver Ananda.

Defending Champion Mehul Gohil won both his games on day one. He quickly dismissed in round 2, one of Kenya’s top junior players, 16-year-old Robert Mcligeyo, in a 17 move game. It appears that Robert Mcligeyo was either exhausted from the gruelling 2021 African Schools Individuals Chess Championship, which ended last week or simply lost his nerves.

Ladies Section

The Ladies section also had a fair share of upsets. Kenya National Ladies Champion WCM Lucy Wanjiru was held to a draw by 11-year-old Elizabeth Cassidy, who won a gold medal at the recently concluded 2021 African Schools Individuals Chess Championship.

WCM Lucy Wanjiru v Elizabeth Cassidy

The Ladies section.Photo credit Oliver Ananda. — The Ladies section. Photo credit Oliver Ananda.

Cartoon on the 2021 Championship

The 2021 Kenya National Chess Championship is a 9 round event that commenced on 26th and ends on 30th December 2021. The winner will receive a car as the top prize while the top 24 players will qualify for the 2nd stage of the Olympiad Qualifiers.