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Victor Ng’ani wins Westlands Chess Club Rapid III

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Victor Ng’ani wins Westlands Chess Club Rapid III

Article by Collins Young.

2018 Kenya National Chess Champion Dr Victor Ng’ani rode his luck to win the Westlands Chess Club Rapid III Open tournament unbeaten with 6.5 out of 7 points at the KCB Sports Club Ruaraka last Sunday, Nov.13th, 2022.

James Arthur Todd (left) presents Dr Victor Ng'ani with his prize while Collins Young (green shirt) and IA Duke Michieka looks on.
James Arthur Todd (left) presents Dr Victor Ng’ani with his prize while Collins Young (green shirt) and IA Duke Michieka looks on.

Dr Ng’ani, however, had a hiccup in round 2 when he found himself pulsating for a draw in a lost position by his admission against an opponent 450 Elo points weaker. Gichuru Kimani (1390) was an exchange up in endgame when he blundered his Rook and promptly resigned. The doctor’s path didn’t get any easier as he knocked out Jamie Kanango, WCM Joyce Nyaruai, James Panchol and Olympian Joseph Methu in the next four rounds. Rookie Nephat Thuku denied him a perfect score by holding him in the final round.

Runners up were Joseph Methu and James Panchol, tied on 6 points, followed by Nephat Thuku, Ben Nguku, Dominic Carlos and Felix Boera on 5.5 pts.

Ladies

The best ladies award went to Mercy Cherono (PWD) with 4.5 points, probably benefiting from the withdrawal of WCM Joyce Nyaruai in the last round due to unforeseen circumstances.

Runners-up were fast-rising teenagers Arianne Hera and Genevieve Maashao, U12, on 4/7.

James Panchol (left) versus Dr Victor Ng'ani during their round 5 encounter.
James Panchol (left) versus Dr Victor Ng’ani during their round 5 encounter.

Other prize winners

Best University Players were Felix Boera and Veronicah Matei.

Best PWD awards went to Wambalo Wong and Sadam Ali.

The best veterans were Petos Koyra and James Arthur Todd.

Rating prizes went to Timothy Mwabu – U1700, Dominic Carlos – U1500, and Brian Masira – unrated

Caleb Marani, Isaack Muuo and Joy Ishmael won the awards for best WeCC players.

Biggest Upset – Brian Masira beating Olympian Ricky Sang in round3.

Fair Play – Gichuru Kimani

Best U18 Boys

Sarthak Patnaik, Victor Kithiva, and Zayan Zamir won gold, silver and bronze, respectively.

Best U18 Girl

Prisha Sinha

U12 Boys

Ram Yashmith
Reyansh Agarwal
Jeshurum Oluchiri

U12 Girls

Yvonne Mwashe
Abigail Obonyo
Bridgit Kavosi

An exceptional motivational award went to the youngest player, 7 year old Afzal Saeedah.

Links

Westlands Chess Club Rapid Chess Tournament III on chess-results.com.

Caleb Marani Emerges Winner of WeCC Blitzes – Tournament 1.

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Article by Kenya Chess Masala.