Update on Chess Kenya Constitution Meeting on 23rd December 2012

I  almost did not attend this meeting due to prior commitments that I had.  I managed to get there at about 3.40pm and found that the meeting had not started as everybody was waiting for Charles Nyaberi who is the Supremo for Kenya National Sports Council.  Poor Bwana Nyaberi has been dragged into this Chess Kenya fiasco for the past 18 months and I must admit that he has been great help to the poorly treated chess players under the previous regime.

The first thing that surprised me was the huge turnout.  We had the following in attendance - Charles Nyaberi, Ann Nganga (KNSC and National Olympic Committee of Kenya or NOCK), Mr Nderitu (KNSC), Victor Ngani (Chairman ICKC), Githinji Hinga (ICKC), Akello Atwoli, P Singe, Rehema Maria (all three part of the Constitution Committee), Brian Kidula, Kim Bhari, Martin Oyamo, Paul Oketch, Paul Aloyo, Gilbert Wandera, Raj Pendyala, Ricky Sang, Samuel Kimani, Stanley Luruti (ex Chairman of Chess Kenya) and former Lord of Chess Larry Kagambi (ex Secretary General of Chess Kenya).

The 3 hot points that were debated were;

1. Membership - the proposed structure was confusing as one could be a member either individually or via  a a club.  The committee agreed to go back and work on it.

2. Conflict of Interest - This point was hotly contested by Larry Kagambi.  We all know that Larry was in charge of a chess academy while he was Secretary General of Chess Kenya.  This point never went down well with chess players who felt he was using his position to influence many things in chess.  Larry had an interesting point in that one FIDE official told him that he (FIDE official )ran a chess business that generated a USD 500k even while he was an official.  Larry also pointed out that we should make sure that someone's rights (ie his) are not infringed as Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Kenya is the supreme document.  Very interesting!!

3. Non - Citizens.  The question of  non citizens representing Kenya was another hot potato.  Singe and Atwoli were very strongly in favour of any chess team being made up of only citizens of Kenya.  Nyaberi pointed out that other sports associations have the same rule as well.   Victor Ngani would have non of that and suggested at we must accommodate the non citizens that we have in our team.  The constitution has a proposal that the senior team will have only one non-citizen and for junior teams no more than 50%.  This I believe to be a fair system for the next two years.

Meeting ended at around 6.30 pm.

I am sorry that I forgot to take any photos.

Chess Finally Gets Recognition With Sportsmen Of Year Award (SOYA)

After waiting for like infinity Chess in Kenya finally got a boost when Sharanya Iyengar was nominated for a prize during the grand SOYA awards which is sponsored by Safaricom.  It is our great Kenyan Legend Paul Tergat who came up with this idea many years ago.  Paul Tergat was the 5 time winner of the World Cross Country Championship and two times Silver medalist at the Olympic Games

Over the years this event is dominated by the great Kenyan athletes but this year it was different when Sharanya name was nominated for her outstanding performance in chess.  Sharanya was part of the Kenya Ladies team to the recent Olympiad in Turkey.  The most outstanding point is that Sharanya is only 10 years old!!

With Olympic 3,000 m Steeplechase Gold Medalist
Ezekiel Kemboi at the SOYA awards

Posing with none other than David Rudisha
800 m Gold medalist at 2012 Olympics and
World Record Holder in 800m

One would have expected that all chess players to be delighted with this news but no - in every group of people one must find the guys and gals who love to moan and groan.  The true "Wet Blankets" of society.  Never happy.  Complaints about her citizenship was the first thing to crop up.  Yes she has an Indian passport but she lives with her parents in Kenya and is for all purposes a Kenyan Resident.  We have never had a 10 year old kid who has generated so much interest in chess.  We should appreciate that important fact.  Anyway here are some photos of this talented girl.

Sharanya posing with World Title Contender Boris Gelfand in
Turkey.  Photo by Mehul Gohil

Posing with Harold Wanyama of Uganda who won
the 2012 Kenya Open and Sharanya won the Ladies section

Here is the link to the TV report - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W1dbvsWlZQ

Bungoma Chess Club Hosts First Ever Chess Event!

Bungoma Chess Club hosted the first ever chess tournament in Bungoma Town on weekend of 24th and 25th November 2012.  The hardworking man behind this was Robert Nyongesa (see photo below left during the closing ceremony of the 54th Nairobi Chess Club Championship in Nairobi.

The arbiters for this event was Stephen Kisuze of Uganda and Issac Babu of Kenya.  The strong Ugandans were well represented at this event by Harold Wanyama and Bob Bibasa.

Harold Wanyama of Uganda (right) is the Winner of the 1st Bungoma Open.

Part of the action

Bob Bibasa of Uganda

This event had a huge controversy at the end when the all the cash prizes were not paid out.  This has happened in Kenya before and of course players are swift to condemn the organiser who put in so much work and who I must admit gave free entry to many of the players (who are now complaining about their prize fund!)

I will keep you updated on what has happened perhaps in the new year!.

A total of 50 players took part and the top 10 are shown below.

Chess Kenya Meeting 23rd December 2012

This is the email that I received last week (see below).  I am not sure if I will be attending as these meetings tend to be boring and tedious and most likely to start an hour late.

I have briefly reviewed the constitution and my brief comments are as follows;

1. Chess Kenya will have individuals as members but who cannot vote.  Makes no sense at all. After all a national body should have clubs as its members and not individuals.

2. Proposed membership fee for clubs is KShs 8,000 which is high from the KShs 5,000.

3. Someone has slipped in a clause about non Kenyans in any Junior National team.  The Junior National team to any event cannot have more than 50% non Kenyans.  I guess this is a good clause.

For seniors the clause is as follows;

i.        The national team shall be a reserve of Kenya citizens only; a slot may be made available to non-Kenyan citizen if he/she:

·         Has lived in the country for a minimum of three (3) years

·         Has a permit from the mother federation to play for another federation

·         Someone officially registered as a resident

·         There shall be a maximum of one resident in the team

I will keep you updated on the progress.
-----------------------------------------------------
Chess Kenya Stakeholders Meeting
Sunday 23rd December 2012, Nyayo Stadium, KNSC Boardroom from 1430Hrs


Dear Chess Friends,

You are cordially invited to the all-inclusive Chess Kenya Stakeholders meeting set for December 23rd, 2012 at the KNSC Boardroom at Nyayo Stadium from 1430Hrs to 1700Hrs.

Agenda:
1. Feedback on the CK Draft Constitution - follow the link to see draft
2. Update on Activities of the ICKC
3. A.O.B

Chess Kenya would like to thank the members of Constitution Review Committee for their tireless effort that has resulted in creating the Draft Constitution.

For logistics purpose, kindly let us know if you will be able to attend and also include any thoughts you may have on the draft constitution or any other chess matters.

Please respond to Secretary@chesskenya.or.ke

Further to this, the following meetings shall take place: 
1) Special General Meeting (SGM) on 20th January 2013 to address Constitution and Elections.
2) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17th February 2013 (Elections AGM)

Please note that the dates for all meetings will not change. We urge you to sacrifice time for the sake of the prosperity of the game. Your attendance and input is highly appreciated.

My sincere apologies for the short notice.

Kind Regards,

Githinji Hinga
ICKC Secretary
Chess Kenya

Strathmore University & WeCC Put Up An Amazing Event

Srathmore University & Westland's Chess Club (WeCC) have successfully organised the Strathmore-WeCC Open which took place last weekend 10th & 11th November 2012.   The event was a first ever for a university and chess club to come together to organise an event.

I could not attend the event as a player or even as a spectator due to work pressure and hence have just copied and pasted the WeCC report that I received.  The venue was just amazing and one could be mistaken that the event was being held in some European Capital.

Veteran Martin Oyamo Wins Top Prize at Inaugural Strathmore-WeCC Open

Veteran chess player and coach of many of today’s strongest players in Kenya, Martin Oyamo, beat 73 of his fellow competitors to win the inaugural Strathmore-WeCC Open Chess Championship held this weekend at Strathmore University’s glamorous new Students’ Centre. Martin remained undefeated in the 7-round tournament conceding just half a point in his last game when he drew to first runner-up Brian Adorwa to finish with 6.5 points. Following him in the overall prize winners bracket were Brian Adorwa (2^ndplace), George Nderitu (3^rd place) and CM* Ben Magana (4^th place) with 6 points each and newcomer Abdinasir Burale (5^th place) with 5.5 points.

University Players
In the ‘University Players’ category, George Nderitu (Strathmore University) took home the ‘Best University Player (Male)’ prize  followed by James Muchai (5 points, University of Nairobi) and Peter Ding (5 points, Kenyatta University) while the ladies prizes were won by Gloria Jumba (3 points, University of Nairobi), Daphne Mwikali (3 points, Kenyatta University) and Ann Kung’u (2 points, Kenya Poly). Kenyatta University took home the ‘Best University Team’ prize with their top 4 players scoring a cumulative 18.5 points, a whole point ahead of rivals University of Nairobi and 1.5 points ahead of Strathmore University.

Junior Players
FM** Ritvik Pendyala was the ‘Best Junior Player (Male)’ with 4 points followed by Andrew Nderitu who had 2 points. The ‘Best Junior Player (Female)’ prize went to WCM*** Riya Shah with 3 points while WCM Krishi Shah was the first runner-up in that category with 3 points.

Winners received a variety of prizes that included trophies, medals, cash and gift vouchers from sponsors IMAX Kenya, New Muthaiga Stables and Mzoori.com.



Jointly organised by Strathmore University and Westlands Chess Club, the well-attended tournament saw participants from 10 universities including: hosts Strathmore University, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Egerton University, Kenya Polytechnic, Kenya Methodist University, Kimathi University and Pan Africa Christian University. Most notable absentees were Daystar University whose chess club boasts one of the strongest ladies team. Members of Westlands Chess Club (WeCC), Nairobi Chess Club (NCC), Eastlands Chess Club and Motor Sports Chess Club also represented their respective clubs.



The event was covered by KBC on their 7 and 9 pm news on Sunday, 11th November, barely hours after the tournament ended.

*CM – Candidate Master; **FM – FIDE Master; ***WCM – Woman Candidate Master

Prize winners: 

• 1^st Place (overall) – Martin Oyamo (6.5 points)
• 2^nd Place (overall) – Brian Adorwa (6 points)
• 3^rd Place (overall) – George Nderitu (6 points)
• 4^th Place (overall) – CM Ben Magana (6 points)
• 5^th Place (overall) – Abdinasir Burale (5.5 points)
• Best University Player (Male) – George Nderitu (6 points, Strathmore University)
• Second-best University Player (Male) – James Muchai (5 points, University of Nairobi)
• Third-best University Player (Male) – Peter Ding (5 points, Kenyatta University)
• Best University Player (Female) – Gloria Jumba (3 points, University of Nairobi)
• Second-best University Player (Female) – Daphne Mwikali (3 points, Kenyatta University)
• Third-best University Player (Female) – Ann Kung’u (2 points, Kenya Polytechnic)
• Best University Team – Kenyatta University (18.5 points)
• Best Junior Player (Male) – FM Ritvik Pendyala (4 points)
• Second-best Junior Player (Male) – Andrew Nderitu (2 points)
• Best Junior Player (Female) – WCM Riya Shah (3 points)
• Second-best Junior Player (Female) – WCM Krishi Shah (3 points)

Final Standings (Top 20):

1. Martin Oyamo – 6.5 points
2. Brian Adorwa – 6 points
3. George Nderitu – 6 points
4. Ben Magana – 6 points
5. Abdinasir Burale – 5.5 points
6. Ricky Sang – 5 points
7. Jacob Onditi – 5 points
8. Phillip Singe – 5 points
9. James Muchai – 5 points
10. Mowliid Ahmed Daud – 5 points
11. Abdikarim Roble – 5 points
12. Bryan Toboso – 5 points
13. Peter Ding – 5 points
14. Austin Walela – 5 points
15. Jacktone Mony – 4.5 points
16. Joseph Atwoli – 4.5 points
17. Martin Wagah – 4.5 points
18. Geoffrey Omondi – 4.5 points
19. Ian Odhiambo – 4 points
20. Collins Young – 4 points

Related Links:

• More photos from the event
• Final standings on Chess Results Server
• SWOCC coverage on KBC
• Strathmore-WeCC Open Chess Championship (SWOCC) details

Mombasa Chess Club Hosts Their Annual Mombasa Open

Mombasa Open Poster

Mombasa Chess Club moved a notch higher this month when they hosted a fantastic 2012 Mombasa Open that attracted a total of 87 players.  Chess players love Mombasa as one can see from the huge turnout.  The  promoters of Mombasa Chess Club are Chairman Dr Philip Mwashe and  Secretary Andrew Syangabo.  A huge number of players travel as they get sponsored for the event.  Most of the big boys were present - Ben Magana, John Mukabi, Nathan Ateka etc

The winner was Brian Kidula (who  was Kenya Chess Association Secretary many years ago and who was the Kenya Captain to the Istanbul Olympiad.)

For more photos one can visit;
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.525568997462835.122830.386581538028249&type=1



I bring you the photo of the winner Brian (rumours had it that he has been training with Mehul Gohil).  Rather than show you an ordinary photo of Brian receiving his trophy I thought it would be better to show you one where he is standing with the God of Chess taken at the Istanbul Chess Olympiad!

From left John Mukabi, Brian Kidula, God of Chess, Githinji Hinga

Kenyan Chess Takes Another Big Step!

We have over the years struggled to get Kenyans to take up chess with limited success.

Westland's Chess Club (WeCC) one of Kenya's newest club decided that we needed something new.  If Kenyans do not come to chess then chess will be taken to the Kenyans.

WeCC President Paras Gudka used his connections to get chess to be part of the agenda for World Mental Health Day!

The event attracted a new crop of chess enthusiasts which we hope will continue to grow the numbers of players in Kenya.

Kudos to Paras on this great initiative!

WeCC President (in green shirt) ponders his move at the event.
Photo from their Facebook page.

For more photos of this event visit - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.446424505396331.97462.230219067016877&type=3

Upadate on Junior Chess In Kenya

A lot happens in Junior Chess in Kenya.

At the moment the Junior Team is getting ready to go for the World Youth event in Slovenia in November 2012.  Support from the Govt is lacking, support from the National Body is not there so what option did the kids have?  Well go public and ask for help!

I have no doubt that these kids are strong having gone through the qualifiers.  The sad news is that they have not taken part in any other event this year.  We did not see them at the 54th Nairobi Chess Club Championship,  Daystar Open and many other small events which have been organised.  The question is why?  If you want to be tough in chess you got to play.

I am not sure how much was collected but here is the TV Clip. 
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ktn/?videoID=2000060655&video_title=Wagwiji-wachanga-wa-Chess

I will not be donating.

Kenyan Chess Reaches For The Stars

6th & 7th October 2012 will go down in Kenyan Chess History as a day when we reached for the Stars.

Daystar University held its first ever open chess event at their Athi River Campus which is about 30 minutes from Nairobi.

Karan Christie - Daystar Captain

The brain child behind this event was Karan Christie who only took up chess recently.  What a great event. Slighty over 60 players took part in this grand event which attract two top Ugandan men - Harold Wanyama and Bob Bibasa and 2 top Ugandan Ladie Ivy Amoko & Christine Namaganda

All the Big Lions who were at the Olympiad were present - Ben Magana, Mehul Gohil, Githinji Hinga, Atwoli.  The Big Lionesses from the Olympiad team were Sharanya Iyengar, Gwen Jumba







Ranking after round 7 of Daystar Open 2012
No.  PNo.  Name                       Score WP    SB     PS    rat.  TPR  W-We
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1.   36  Harold Wanyama              7.0  27.0  27.00  28.0  2190 2733 +2.24
  2.   37  Bob Bibasa                  6.0  29.5  22.50  24.0  2185 2369 +1.31
  3.    1  Mehul Gohil                 5.5  29.0  24.25  19.5  2130 2403 +1.48
  4.   21  John Mukabi                 5.0  31.0  20.25  20.5  2089 2196 +1.01
       12  Philip Singe                5.0  30.5  21.25  20.5  2119 2173 +0.52
       11  Ben Magana                  5.0  28.5  17.50  23.0  2185 2186 +0.03
       10  Githinji Hinga              5.0  27.5  17.00  19.0  2104 2175 +0.66
        4  Martin Oyamo                5.0  26.5  17.50  18.0  1934 2162 +2.20
       14  Sharanya Iyengar (L)        5.0  23.5  15.00  19.0  1946 2173 +2.20
       32  Brian Adorwa                5.0  23.5  14.50  19.0  1944 2177 +2.20
 11.   33  Maulid Daud                 4.5  32.0  19.00  18.5  2100 2129 +0.30
        9  Jacob Onditi                4.5  30.0  16.50  21.0  2000 2155 +1.49
       43  Vincent Ng'eno              4.5  28.0  17.50  18.0  2052 2110 +0.58
       22  Purity Maina (L)            4.5  27.5  16.25  16.0  1946 2110 +1.63
       16  Geoffrey Omondi             4.5  27.0  15.75  19.5  2009 2099 +0.86
        6  Edward Oluoch               4.5  25.5  13.00  19.5  2023 2122 +1.00
 17.   35  Wangombe Mugo               4.0  35.0  17.00  22.0  2059 2124 +0.64
       17  Collins Young               4.0  30.5  13.50  18.0  2038 2066 +0.29
        8  Joseph Atwoli               4.0  29.5  15.50  20.0  2081 2055 -0.20
       23  Abdinassir Buraale          4.0  28.0  14.00  16.0  2050 2047 +0.01
        2  Abdirahman Mohammed         4.0  28.0  13.50  19.0  2010 2045 +0.36
       57  Chol Bol                    4.0  27.5  12.25  16.0  1950 1950 +0.00
       38  Ivy Amoko (L)               4.0  26.0  13.50  15.0  1946 2050 +1.06
       19  Abdulkarim Roble            4.0  24.5  12.00  14.0  2050 2028 -0.20
       47  Joseph Maigua               4.0  23.5   9.00  13.0  1950 2009 +0.57
       61  Kamau Kingora               4.0  22.0  12.75  14.0  1900 2095 +1.60
       40  Kevin Riungu                4.0  22.0  10.50  12.0  1976 1970 -0.06
       39  Christine Namaganda (L)     4.0  21.5   8.25  10.0  1946 1934 -0.12
 29.   51  Wachania Wachira            3.5  31.5  14.00  18.5  2025 2050 +0.21
        3  Brian Kidula                3.5  30.0  13.75  17.5  2006 1977 -0.28
       50  Chahindi Mbiu               3.5  24.0   9.75  14.5  1934 1979 +0.42
        5  Isse Kasim                  3.5  24.0   9.25  15.0  2010 1964 -0.42
       13  George Wanjiku              3.5  23.5   8.50  15.5  1950 1912 -0.32
       56  Felix Begisen               3.5  21.0   6.00  10.5  1950 1991 +0.42
 35.   41  David Yak                   3.0  27.5  10.00  15.0  1950 1936 -0.15
       59  Karan Christie              3.0  26.5   9.00  12.0  1991 1879 -1.13
       15  Subham Rai (J)              3.0  25.0   7.50  10.5  2012 1916 -0.92
       31  Gloria Gweyani (L)          3.0  24.5   7.75  12.0  1946 1935 -0.15
       26  Ian Odhiambo                3.0  24.0   6.00  13.0  2002 1915 -0.85
       52  Job Kaimenyi                3.0  23.5   7.50  15.0  1950 1912 -0.36
       45  Rose Wabuti (L)             3.0  21.5   8.00  10.0  1940 1914 -0.29
       53  Wambui Wahome (L)           3.0  21.5   5.50  11.0  1920 1917 -0.01
       62  Nichodemus Ndonye           3.0  19.0   7.75  11.0  1900 1966 +0.54
        7  Maureen Njeri (L)           3.0  19.0   3.50  10.0  1818 1719 -0.55
       55  Rahab Wangui (L)            3.0  18.5   4.75   9.0  1818 1831 +0.14
 46.   20  Baba Jamari                 2.5  25.5   6.75  11.5  1950 1824 -1.21
       34  Joseph Maina                2.5  23.5   6.50  10.5  2001 1834 -1.63
       44  Kamadi Akidiva              2.5  23.0   5.75  11.5  1950 1844 -1.07
       48  Saloni Karania (L)          2.5  20.0   4.75   8.5  1842 1876 +0.26
       63  Patrick Mbogo               2.5  19.0   7.00  10.5  1900 1922 +0.16
       60  Kim Bhari                   2.5  17.5   5.50   9.0  1930 1944 +0.10
 52.   49  Darshan Shah (J)            2.0  22.5   3.50   7.0  1950 1741 -1.99
       42  Mary Kamau (L)              2.0  22.0   2.75   6.0  1818 1698 -0.80
       54  Linda Wairegi (L)           2.0  19.5   1.00   9.0  1818 1301 -1.45
       30  Ranft Mwangi                2.0  18.0   2.75   5.0  1950 1602 -2.60
       46  Ann Kung'u (L)              2.0  16.0   2.50   7.0  1818 1799 -0.17
       29  Nilesh Bhudia               2.0  12.5   2.00   6.0  1950 1739 -1.99
 58.   24  Andrew Syangabo             1.5  27.0   3.50   8.5  2004 1742 -2.28
 59.   25  Njuru Mwangi                1.0  22.0   7.50   6.0  1950 1856 -0.38
       28  Brian Kimeto                1.0  18.5   0.25   3.0  1950 1253 -3.18
 61.   27  Brian Obilo                 0.0  24.5  12.25   0.0  2150  -   +0.00
       18  Ricky Sang                  0.0  24.5  12.25   0.0  2002  -   +0.00
       58  Yamikani Kaipa              0.0  19.0   2.25   0.0  1950 1345 -1.60
For more photos on this great event visit the following site

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.292604114174198&type=1
Kudos to Daystar University for hosting such a grand event.

Chess meets up with Cricket and Live Music!

23rd September 2012 will probably go down in Kenyan Chess History as the day when Chess met Cricket!

We are talking about the 2012 SAMOSA (South Asian Mosaic of Soceity & the Arts) Festival which is being held at Karurua Forest (www.friendsofkarura.org).  The organiser of this event are SOMOSA who are headed by Zarina Patel and Rajan Zahid who are also the publishers of AwaaZ Magazine (www.awaazmagazine.com).

The poster had a new design and the photo we used was enhanced using an Apple iPad thanks to my daughter.

Zarina is well known in Kenya for her fight with some greedy, grubby Nairobi City Council officials who wanted to convert Jevanjee Gardens into some kind of shopping complex.  She is the granddaughter of the famous Mr Jevanjee who bequeath the Garden to the residents of Nairobi.  She is also the author of the book about her grandfather - Challenge to colonialism the struggle of Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee for equal rights in Kenya

You can buy her book on

http://www.amazon.com/Challenge-Colonialism-Struggle-Alibhai-Jeevanjee/dp/996696150X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349932121&sr=8-1&keywords=zarina+patel

The event attracted a total of only 10 players and we had Kenya's top players in action.  Peter Gilruth and Mehul Gohil.  I have enclosed the standings;

1|Mowlid Daud Ahmed, ||2100||4.5|7.0|12.0|14.5
2|Peter Gilruth, ||2220||4|9.0|13.5|11.0
3-4|Abid Karim Roble, ||2000||3.5|9.5|15.0|9.5
|Mehul Gohil, ||2205||3.5|7.5|12.5|10.0
5|Abdi Nasser Burale, ||2000||3|6.5|10.0|10.0
6|Abdi Raham Mohamed, ||2100||2.5|8.0|12.5|8.0
7|Amon Sein, ||2000||2|7.5|12.5|5.0
8-9|Kim Bhari, ||2000||1|9.0|13.5|4.0
|Mushig Habilov, ||2000||1|7.5|12.0|3.0
10|Charles Mwangi, ||2000||0|6.5|11.5|0.0

Spectators try out a game

 Here are some photo 

Photos and articles from Nairobi Chess Club rich past

Hospitality tents

Vuvuzela!!

Zarina Patel tries out a game after almost 30 years!

Winner Maulid Daud Ahmed receives his trophy from Zarina Patel

Neil Thomas poses next to some of his photos which were on sale

The Karura forest club house

Mushig Habilov in action

Kenyan Chess take a "Big Leap"

Kenyan Chess continues to grow over the year and we now have 4 proper clubs and these include Nairobi Chess Club (established in 1958), Mombasa Chess Club, Westlands Chess Club and Bungoma Chess Club.

After many years Nairobi Chess Club finally unveiled its new logo.

Nairobi Chess Club old logo
which has been in use
for almost 30 years.

Nairobi Chess Club new logo

54th Nairobi Chess Club Championship - Update

Tournament Report

54^th  Nairobi Chess Club Championship

18^th & 19^th  August 2012

Braeburn School

Nairobi

The 54^th Nairobi Chess Club Championship was a resounding success.  The event was attended by;

·         54 players

·         8 ladies

·         5 juniors

·         Ben Magana the reigning 53^rd Champion

·         3 Ugandans Bob Bibasa, Arthur Ssegwanyi  (trip funded by sponsor Rodger Adai)

·         Ivy Amoko (trip funded by Nairobi Chess Club)

·         Robert Nyongesa from Bungoma(trip partly funded by Nairobi Chess Club

·         Emmanuel Soma from Eldoret (trip partly funded by Nairobi Chess Club)

The full list of players is provided on AppendixI I.

The main sponsor of the event was ARM Engineering Ltd a company owned by chess enthusiast Rodger Adai who funded the event to the tune of KShs 40,000.

The prize fund was as follows;

Winner	KShs 7,500 + trophy	Top lady	KShs 3,000 + trophy	To Challenger	KShs 2,000 + trophy
Runners up	KShs 5,000 + trophy	2nd lady	KShs 2,000  + trophy	2nd Challenger	KSsh 1,000 + trophy
2nd Runners up	KShs 3,500 + trophy	3rd lady	KShs 1,000 + trophy	3rd Challenger	KShs 500 + trophy
3rd Runners up	KShs 2,500 + trophy	Top Junior	KShs 2,000 + trophy	Top Universities, Colleges, Polytechnics	KShs 2,000 plus trophy
4th Runners up	KShs 1,500 + trophy	2nd Junior	KShs 1,000 + trophy
		3rd Junior	KShs 500 + trophy	2nd Universities, Colleges, Polytechnics	KShs 1,000 plus trophy

Supplementary prizes were added to the main prize fund by Aslam Adam of UK who provided the following incentives;

1)            If there is a clear winner, he will be awarded a further 2,500/=

2)            If the clear winner is undefeated in the tourney, another 2,500/=

3)            If the clear winner wins all his games, then a bonus of 10,000/= , the first 2 will not apply.

Additionally if any player wins all his games with the black pieces, a bonus of 5,000/= - mind you there could be a tie here.

Lastly, if the winner is not an Olympian (both Kenya and Uganda), he will get a bonus of 5,000/=, irrespective of above.

The arbiter for the event was Moses Andiwo of Nakuru.

The venue used was the spacious Senior School Dining Hall at Braeburn School, Gitanga Road, Nairobi.

All cash prizes and trophies were paid out.  The only prize that was not given out was the University/Colleges/Poly 2^nd prize as there was no winner.

All chess equipment and use of computer/printer was provided by Kim Bhari free of cost.

Other Comments;

This event generated enormous publicity in cyberspace name Facebook & Twitter.

A number of universities & colleges were on holiday and hence were not in a position to send a team.

Kishan Iyengar has  donated KShs 5,0000 to Nairobi Chess Club to be used to fund future events.

Peter Gilruth is declared the 54^th Nairobi Chess Club Champion.  Peter is the current Vice-Chairman of the Club.

In future Nairobi Chess Club will continue to sponsor players from out of Nairobi to come and take part in our events in an effort to promote the game in other regions of the country.

All players who participated in the event are eligible to use our club facility at Goan Gymkhana Club every Saturday afternoon from 2pm to 6pm.  Those who wish to attend our forthcoming AGM are request to pay the additional KShs 500 to full fill all membership requirements.

We presented 10 pocket chess sets to various participants using a simple lottery system.  These sets had been sent to us by our chess supporter Aslam Adam of UK.

Financial Summary

Details of the financial summary of this event are provided in Appendix I.

The event generated a modest loss of KShs 7,100 which will be covered by Kim Bhari.

Kim Bhari

Nairobi Chess Club

Chairman

54th Nairobi Chess Club Championship
Financial Summary
Entry Fee		KShs	No	KShs
Gold Membership		6,000	4	1,500
Silver Membership		50,000	50	1,000
		56,000
Rodger Adai		40,000
Aslam Adam		5,000
Total Income		101,000
Expenses
Cash Prizes (see below)		40,000
Venue Hire		20,000
Trophies		22,100
Travel costs for Ugandan players		18,000
Travel costs for other Kenyan players		1,600
Arbitration		4,000
Other Admin		2,400
Total expenses		108,100
Deficit		(7,100)
Cash Prizes	Category
Peter Gilruth	Open 1st & 2nd	6,250
Bob Bibasa	Open 1st & 2nd	6,250
Mowlid Ahmed	3rd,4th & 5th	2,500
Ben Magana	3rd,4th & 5th	2,500
Brian Adorwa	3rd,4th & 5th	2,500
Sharanya Iyengar	Ladies 1st	3,000
Ivy Amoko	Ladies 2nd	1,500
Gloria Jumba	Ladies 3rd	1,500
Ritvik Penyala	Juniors 1st	1,500
Hardiv Karania	Juniors 2nd	1,500
Saloni Karania	Juniors 3rd	500
Hussein Farah	Challengers 1st	2,000
Issa Kassim	Challengers 2nd	1,000
George Nyagah	Challengers 3rd	500
Martin Oyamo	Winning all games with Black	2,500
Emmanuel Soma	Winning all games with Black	2,500
Strathmore	University	2,000
Total cash prizes		40,000

Place|Name                     |Feder|Rtg |Loc|Score|M-Buch.|Buch.|Progr.

 1-2 |Peter Gilruth,           |     |2190|   |6    |   23.0| 30.0|  26.0

     |Bob Bibasa,              |     |2000|   |6    |   22.5| 31.0|  25.0

 3-5 |Mowlid Ahmed Daud,       |     |1900|   |5.5  |   23.5| 33.5|  24.5

     |Ben Magana,              |     |2185|   |5.5  |   22.5| 30.0|  23.5

     |Brian Kadenge,           |     |1944|   |5.5  |   20.0| 27.5|  21.5

6-10 |Arthur Ssegwanyi,        |     |2000|   |5    |   22.5| 30.5|  22.0

     |Ricky Sang,              |     |2002|   |5    |   21.5| 29.0|  17.0

     |Hussein Farah,           |     |1900|   |5    |   18.5| 27.0|  21.0

     |Martin Oyamo,            |     |1934|   |5    |   18.0| 25.0|  20.0

     |Isse Kassim,             |     |1900|   |5    |   17.5| 25.0|  16.0

11-14|George Nyagah,           |     |1900|   |4.5  |   20.0| 27.0|  19.5

     |Chahindi Mbiu,           |     |1884|   |4.5  |   19.5| 29.0|  17.0

     |Kevin Riungu,            |     |1976|   |4.5  |   19.5| 27.5|  18.5

     |Clement Miheso,          |     |1974|   |4.5  |   17.0| 24.5|  14.5

15-23|Bryan Toboso,            |     |2039|   |4    |   23.5| 33.0|  20.0

     |Wangombe Mugo,           |     |2059|   |4    |   22.5| 31.0|  20.0

     |Brian Obilo,             |     |1900|   |4    |   19.0| 26.5|  19.0

     |Wachira Wachania,        |     |2025|   |4    |   18.5| 26.0|  15.0

     |Collins Young,           |     |2038|   |4    |   18.5| 25.5|  19.0

     |Ed Oluoch,               |     |2023|   |4    |   17.0| 24.5|  17.5

     |Warren Pollock,          |     |1900|   |4    |   14.5| 21.0|  12.0

     |Sharanya Iyengar (L),    |     |1890|   |4    |   14.5| 20.0|  11.5

     |Emmaneul Soma,           |     |1900|   |4    |   14.0| 19.5|  13.0

24-29|James Muchai,            |     |2033|   |3.5  |   19.5| 28.0|  16.5

     |Willem Simons,           |     |1900|   |3.5  |   19.5| 25.5|  15.5

     |Ivy Amoko (L),           |     |1900|   |3.5  |   18.5| 25.0|  15.5

     |Hesbon Omanjo,           |     |1976|   |3.5  |   17.0| 24.0|  14.5

     |Gloria Jumba (L),        |     |1946|   |3.5  |   16.0| 23.0|  13.5

     |Humphrey Nyongesa,       |     |1900|   |3.5  |   12.5| 17.5|   9.0

30-38|Thomas Mghendi,          |     |1993|   |3    |   20.0| 28.0|  15.0

     |Vincent Ngeno,           |     |2038|   |3    |   19.5| 27.5|  14.0

     |Edward Bii,              |     |1900|   |3    |   18.5| 25.5|  13.0

     |Benard Wanjala,          |     |2026|   |3    |   18.0| 26.0|  12.0

     |Isabelle Asiema (L),     |     |1884|   |3    |   18.0| 25.0|   9.0

     |Kim Bhari,               |     |1900|   |3    |   16.5| 22.5|  11.0

     |Ritvik Penyala (J),      |     |1999|   |3    |   16.5| 22.5|  10.0

     |Hardiv Karania (J),      |     |1980|   |3    |   15.5| 22.5|  11.0

     |Rose Nafula Chemiat (L), |     |1900|   |3    |   12.5| 17.0|  10.0

39-42|Saloni Karania (J),      |     |1842|   |2.5  |   18.5| 25.0|  10.5

     |Njuru Mwangi,            |     |1900|   |2.5  |   17.5| 25.0|   9.5

     |Tony Mutua,              |     |1900|   |2.5  |   17.5| 24.5|  13.5

     |Naftali Wachira,         |     |1994|   |2.5  |   16.0| 23.0|  12.5

43-46|Mwikali Daphne (L),      |     |1900|   |2    |   17.0| 23.0|   9.0

     |Arphaxade Sifuna,        |     |1900|   |2    |   14.5| 21.0|  10.0

     |Kangethe Waruhiu (J),    |     |1900|   |2    |   14.0| 19.0|   7.0

     |Ian Odhiambo,            |     |2002|   |2    |    7.0| 14.0|   7.0

47-49|Jacktone Mony,           |     |2024|   |1.5  |   18.0| 25.0|   9.5

     |Darshan Shah (J),        |     |1900|   |1.5  |   13.0| 20.0|   4.0

     |Rehema Kimulu (L),       |     |1857|   |1.5  |   11.5| 17.0|   2.5

50-51|Carlos Agengo,           |     |1900|   |1    |   14.0| 21.5|   4.0

     |Simon Mariga,            |     |1900|   |1    |    8.0| 13.5|   3.0

52-54|Benard Miheso,           |     |1900|   |0    |    7.0|  7.0|   0.0

     |George Irungu,           |     |1900|   |0    |    6.5| 11.5|   0.0

     |Sameul Nyonga,           |     |1900|   |0    |    6.0|  6.0|   0.0

Clement Miheso in blue

Sharanya Iyengar

Bob Bibasa from Uganda

Mowlid Daud Ahmed in brown gets his 3rd prize from Dr Ngani

Bob Bibasa receives his Runners Up prize

54th Nairobi Chess Club Champion Peter Gilruth in red, Kim Bhari Chairman in blue

View of the playing hall