Gong Thon Gong wins Waridi Chess Festival
Gong Thon Gong continued his conquests of Kenyan chess events, scoring a perfect six points out of six rounds to win the Waridi Chess Festival event at the Nairobi Gymkhana. He beat a field of 140 players and took home a cash prize of KES 30,000 (USD 220).
His achievements follow his victory in the Mavens Open Chess Tournament last weekend, further solidifying his stature as one of the top players in the region.
WCM Joyce Nyaruai also put a fine performance to clinch second place with 5.5 points to win KES 20,000.
Three-time Kenya National Champion Mehul Gohil faced a tough battle in the Waridi Chess Festival. Despite his formidable reputation, he found the going tough, managing to secure only 1.5 points from the first three rounds. His loss to John Thon Ngony of South Sudan and a draw to Wanjiru Kimani, who put up a stiff fight, led to his early exit at the end of day 1.
The Junior Section, a vibrant part of the tournament, had fifty enthusiastic participants in the U8, U10, and U16 categories.
Game Corner
Photo Corner
Poster for the event
Link
Waridi Chess Festival games on lichess.org.
Waridi Chess Festival on chess-results.com.
Chess Shop
Article by Kenya Chess Masala.