Mazda awaits Kenya’s top player
KCB's Mehul Gohil ponders his next move during a past tournament.
What you need to know:
- This year’s edition billed as the toughest since it has attracted most of the top players
- National championships making return after failing to take place in 2020 due to Covid-19
Chess Kenya will for the second time issue a brand new Mazda Demio car to the winner in the “Open” section of the National Chess Championships.
This year’s competition will take place from Sunday, December 26, to December 31 at The Luke Hotel in Nairobi.
The national championships is making a return after failing to take place in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic that led to the cancellation of most physical sporting events.
In chess, the “Open” section is regarded as the toughest and mostly attracts male players with higher ratings.
Other categories where participants will square it out include the Ladies’ Section, Persons Living with Disability (PLWD) Open and Ladies’ sections, Best Youth Boy, Best Youth Girl, Best University Male and Best University Female.
Speaking ahead of the competition, defending champion Mehul Gohil said this year’s edition stands to be the toughest since it has attracted most top players.
But he said he is confident of performing thanks to his experience and good preparation.
“Arguably, this is the toughest national championships because almost all the top players have registered.
“I am experienced so physically I know what to expect. I am also satisfied with the preparation I have done, so I hope I will do the best,” said Gohil.
According to Deputy Chief Arbiter Anthony Kionga, participants will square it out in nine rounds.
He echoed Gohil’s sentiments that this year’s edition will be tough. “We should expect a lot of upsets because there are many young players who are very tough,” said Kionga.
Woman Candidate Master Lucy Wanjiru and Sadam Ali, who are the defending champions in the Ladies and PLWD (Open) section, have also confirmed participation.
“My main aim is to get to the national team. I have also won so many titles in the PLWD category that I feel it is time to get out of my box so I will also be trying my luck in winning the car,” said Ali.
