James Panchol wins 2023 Kitale Open
James Panchol of South Sudan, but a resident of Kenya, won the 2023 Kitale Open with a perfect score of six points out of six rounds. He took home KES 25,000 (USD 200) for his efforts, which saw just over 90 players from three African federations participating.
Six players tied in joint second place with five points to equally share KES 33,000 (USD 280). These included FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda, Brian Gabriel Mwangi, CM Ben Magana, John Thon Ngony, Joseph Methu and organiser Hugh Misiko.
Madelta Glenda of Equity Bank Chess Club won the Ladies’ Section with 4 points, while Givans Amunga came out of retirement to win the Veteran’s prize with 4.5 points.
The top university player was Clinton Shikuku of Maseno University, with 4.5 points. On the other hand, Brenda Chagwaya of Masinde Muliro University was the leading lady player in the same university section.
In the PWD section, Clement Miheso won with 3.5 points, while Mercy Cherono won the ladies’ prize in this section.
The prize was the top club went to Equity Bank Chess Club, while the top university prize went to Kitale National Polytechnic.
The 2023 Kitale Open also featured a Junior Section with just over 270 participants playing in a one-day event with separate age categories (U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18).
Kitale Chess Club
The event was historic as it was the first-ever FIDE rated chess tournament held in Kitale. Kitale Chess Club, the event organisers, can be proud of their achievements.
Trans Nzoia County Senator Allan Chesang was the guest of honour who kindly accepted to become the patron for the club.
James Panchol v FM Haruna Nsubuga
James Panchol v FM Patrick Kawuma
FM Haruna Nsubuga v CM Ben Magana
Joseph Methu v CM Ben Nguku
Links
Kitale Open 2023 on chess-results.com.
Kitale Junior Open Chess Tournament.
Chess Shop
Article by Kenya Chess Masala.