Home Chess News Dr Victor Ng’ani clinches the 5th Le Pelley Cup

Dr Victor Ng’ani clinches the 5th Le Pelley Cup

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Dr Victor Ng’ani clinches the 5th Le Pelley Cup

Dr Victor Ng’ani emerged victorious in the 5th Le Pelley Cup with 3.5 points out of four rounds in the Open Section, with 18 participants. He took home KES 20,000 for his effort (USD 150).

Dr Victor Ng'ani (right) receives his trophy from Jackim Arigi who is a Committee Member of the Nairobi Chess Club.
Dr Victor Ng’ani (right) receives his trophy from Jackim Arigi who is a Committee Member of the Nairobi Chess Club.

Mehul Gohil, WCM Joyce Nyaruai, Ricky Sang and Gabriel Njuki ended up in joint second place with three points each. Each took home KES 2,500. However, Mehul Gohil had a superior tie-break to take the second-place trophy, and WCM Joyce Nyaruai took the third-place award.

In round two, Dr Victor Ng’ani missed a beautiful mate in four with a queen sacrifice in his game against WCM Joyce Nyaruai.  Fortunately Dr Ng’ani managed to the win by move 33.

Black has just played 23....Qa5 with Dr Ng'ani with the White pieces responding with 24. Qd3 instead of 24. Qf8+ Rxfe 25.Nd6+ Ke7 26. Nf5 ++ Ke8 27. Nxg7 mate!
Black has just played 23….Qa5 with Dr Ng’ani with the White pieces responding with 24. Qd3 instead of 24. Qf8+ Rxfe 25.Nd6+ Ke7 26. Nf5 ++ Ke8 27. Nxg7 mate!

In round three, Mehul Gohil decided that he could execute his attack against Dr Ng’ani by keeping his King in the centre of the board. He suffered a horrible loss at the hands of Dr Ng’ani, who punished him in a thrilling miniature of twenty-two moves!

13-year-old Don Kamami Muiruri deserves special mention for his sterling performance. Rated only at 1136, he chalked up 2.5 points to end up 7th in the ranking in this challenging event.

Don Kamami Muiruri.
Don Kamami Muiruri.

U1600 Section

It was a proud moment for the U1600 Section winner, Jay Naker, who grabbed his first trophy in his career. He won this section with 5.5 points out of six rounds to go home with KES 10,000 after edging out a determined Amos Ochieng in the sixth and final round.

Amos Ochieng and Dadson Rwamba ended up in joint second place with 5 points to share the total cash prize of KES 5,000.

This section saw 40 participants slugging it out over six rounds.

Jay Naker (left) receives his trophy for winning the U1600 Section from Nairobi Chess Club Secretary Leonard Langat.
Jay Naker (left) receives his trophy for winning the U1600 Section from Nairobi Chess Club Secretary Leonard Langat.
Michael Kiggs wondering if he can win a trophy in this event!
Michael Kiggs wondering if he can win a trophy in this event!
Kevin Riungu shocked at what his opponent has just played!
Kevin Riungu shocked at what his opponent has just played!

U1400 Section

The U1400 Section was equally competitive, with just over 40 participants.

Imran Yesuf Abdella cruised to a comfortable win with six points out of six rounds.

Imran Yesuf Abdella in action.
Imran Yesuf Abdella in action.

Eli Osidiana grabbed the second slot with 5 points, while Kuka Riziki grabbed the third slot with the same five points. 

Happy prize winners from the U1600 and U1400 Sections pose for a group photo.
Happy prize winners from the U1600 and U1400 Sections pose for a group photo.
Yes it is cold in Nairobi!
Yes it is cold in Nairobi!

This annual event organised by Nairobi Chess Club honours the long-serving Chairman, Peter Le Pelley, who passed away in 2010. See the story on Inaugural Peter Le Pelley Cup. More on the life of Mr Le Pelley can be found here –Peter Le Pelley Obituary Revised.

Poster for the 5th Le Pelley Cup.
Poster for the 5th Le Pelley Cup.

Links

Standings & Results of the 5th Le Pelley Cup on chess-results.com.

Photos from the 5th Le Pelley Tournament Volume 1.

Photos from the 5th Le Pelley Tournament Volume 2.

Ricky Sang wins 4th Le Pelley Cup.

Standings & Results of the 4th Le Pelley Cup.

4th Le Pelley Cup Games

James Panchol wins 3rd Le Pelley Cup.

James Panchol wins 2nd Le Pelley Cup.

Players get ready for inaugural Le Pelley Cup.

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Article by Kenya Chess Masala.