Home Chess News 2022 Kenya Open – Day 2 Report

2022 Kenya Open – Day 2 Report

April 17, 2022

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2022 Kenya Open – Day 2 Report

Report by John Mukabi

Emmanuel Egesa of Uganda in action and one of the leaders at the end of day 2. Emmanuel Egesa is making his maiden Olympiad appearance for Uganda in Chennai, India later this year.

At the close of the second day of the ongoing 2022 Kenya Open Chess Championships at The Luke Hotel, Nairobi, five players are at a maximum of 4 points each, with some surprises as little known Ugandans Emmanuel Mukose and Emmanuel Egesa lead as first and second, respectively.

Joining them with fours points are the Kenyan trio of Joseph Methu, surprise package Brian Irungu and veteran CM Benjamin Magana to complete the top five, respectively.

FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda not liking what he sees on the board.

Other Kenyans in the top ten are James Kabui, who drew with fifth seed FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda in round four, and 17-year-old Rocky Muchiri, who floored Uganda’s Micheal Mawanda.

FM Patrick Kawuma of Uganda held to a draw by Mehul Gohil the 2019 Kenya National Champion.

Another Kenyan was the 2019 Kenya National Champion Mehul Gohil, who held the mighty second seed FM Patrick Kawuma to a draw.

Mehul Gohil v FM Patrick Kawuma

Robert McLigeyo – a rising star

17-year-old Robert McLigeyo, who is in the Kenyan Olympiad team, defeated Kenya National Champion Martin Njoroge in a major upset of the day.

Robert McLigeyo in action during the 2022 Kenya Open. Robert will be making his maiden Olympiad appearance at the 2022 Chennai Olympiad later this year.

Martin Njoroge v Robert Mcligeyo

IM Arthur Ssegwanyi

Pre-tournament favourite IM Arthur Ssegwanyi, who is playing catch up after a shock loss in round one to little known Kenyan Christian Nderi, is currently at position 31. In round four against Willy Simons of Nairobi Chess Club, he survived a scare, winning a lost position.

Willy Simons the current Chairman of Nairobi Chess Club. — Willy Simons the current Chairman of Nairobi Chess Club in action during the 2022 Kenya Open Chess Championship.

Willy Simons v IM Arthur Ssegwanyi

Ladies section

In the ladies section top seed, WCM Joyce Ndirangu is the sole leader at four points after downing Milly Takali of Uganda.

Lying second and third on 3.5 points each, Kenyans WFM Sasha Mongeli and Jully Mutisya. Lying fifth and still in contention is the World Amateur Woman U1700 Champion Madelta Glenda on 3 points with eight others.

Maureen Njeri with the cap and Margaret Kanyua in action. — Maureen Njeri with the cap and Margaret Kanyua in action at the 2022 Kenya Open Chess Championship.

WCM Lucy Wanjiru who is the 2019 Kenya National Ladies Champion in action. At the end of day 2 she had 1.5 points out of 4 rounds.

Today’s round five is the heavyweight clash between WFM Sasha Mongeli and WCM Joyce Ndirangu, while Jully Mutisya faces six-time Olympian Gloria Jumba.

All Photo credits – Oliver Ananda