James Panchol wins 2022 Eastlands International Open
James Panchol won the 2022 Eastlands International Chess Championship with a perfect 6 points from 6 rounds to go home with KES 20,000 (USD 190).
Dr Victor Ng’ani was second with 5.5 points. His winnings amounted to KES 10,000 (USD 90).
The event ran from 12th to 13th March at the Jimlizer Hotel the saw 84 players taking part in the event. The Open Section had 60 players, while the Junior Section had 24 participants.
Hawi Kaloki was the winner of the Junior Section with 6 points out of six rounds. Elly Asige was second with 5 points.
The event had an impressive prize fund of KES 100,000 thanks to a generous sponsorship deal from The Chess Kenya Federation.
James Panchol v Dennis Kalati
Dr Victor Ng’ani v Joseph Methu
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.
Links
2022 Eastlands International Chess Championship on chess-results.com
