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.
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.
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.
