2024 Mombasa Open – Gong Thon Gong triumphs
The 2024 Mombasa Open Chess Tournament culminated in a thrilling finale last weekend, with Gong Thon Gong of South Sudan emerging as the undisputed Champion. His remarkable performance, securing 5.5 points out of six rounds, earned him the prestigious title and a substantial KES 50,000 as the first prize. What’s more, this victory marks Gong Thon Gong’s second triumph in Kenya within a short span of three weeks, following his win at the 2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament.
His compatriot Samuel Gai Ngong and FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda tied for second place with 5 points each and took home KES 25,000 each.
Mehul Gohil, the 2022 Mombasa Open Champion, found the going tough and ended up in joint third place with 4.5 points.
The Open Section was a battleground for 64 participants, each vying for the top honours in one of Kenya’s most prestigious and popular events.
The competition was fierce, and this year’s edition, with just over 380 players in four separate sections, was a testament to the growing popularity of the sport.
Ladies Section
WCM Joyce Nyaruai, WFM Sasha Mongeli and talented youngster Elizabeth Cassidy Maina tied for first place with 5 points each and equally shared the KES 45,000 cash prize. However, WCM Nyaruai was crowned the winner due to her superior tie-break.
A total of 38 participants took part.
U1700 Section
In a break from tradition, the 2024 Mombasa Open featured a separate section for those rated below 1700. Kelly Mwaniki was the proud winner and he went home with KES 20,000 as first prize.
The section had a total of 85 players, making it one of the most popular sections in the tournament.
Junior Section
The Junior Section, with its impressive participation of about 200 players, showcased the diversity and inclusivity of the tournament. It featured four separate age categories, namely U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18, providing a platform for young talents to compete and excel.
The highly accredited Light International School in Mombasa hosted the event.
Game Corner
Photo Gallery
Event Poster
Past winners
2023 – Peter Majur Manyang (South Sudan)
2022 – Mehul Gohil (Kenya)
2021 – FM Haruna Nsubuga (Uganda)
2020 – Event not held due to Covid
2019 – Mehul Gohil (Kenya)
2018 – CM Ben Magana (Kenya).
2017 – IM Elijah Emojong (Uganda).
2016 – IM Elijah Emojong (Uganda).
2015 – IM Arthur Ssegwanyi (Uganda).
2014 – Mathias Ssonko (Uganda).
2013 – FM Haruna Nsubuga (Uganda).
2012 – LGM Brian Kidula (Kenya).
2011 – FM Harold Wanyama (Uganda).
2010 – FM Harold Wanyama (Uganda).
Links
2024 Mombasa Open on chess-results.com.
Peter Majur Manyang wins 2023 Mombasa Open.
2023 Mombasa Open on chess-results.com.
Mehul Gohil wins 2022 Mombasa Open.
2022 Mombasa Open on chess-results.com.
Paul Oketch causes major upset in 2022 Mombasa Open.
2022 Kenya National Junior Championship on chess-results.com.
FM Haruna Nsubuga wins 2021 Mombasa Open.
Mehul Gohil wins 2019 Mombasa Open.
CM Ben Magana wins 2018 Mombasa Open.
Elijah Emojong wins 2017 Mombasa Open.
IM Elijah Emojong wins 2016 Mombasa Open.
IM Arthur Ssegwanyi wins 2015 Mombasa Open.
Chess Shop
Article by Kenya Chess Masala.
