Undisputed national champion Chrispin Odhiambo amassed 45 points to win Nairobi Open Championships and set date with the world champion Lubabalo Kondlo of South Africa in Mombasa this weekend.
The two day tournament will see Odhiambo square it out with the global champion in Mombasa on Saturday and Sunday in the round robin series in a tournament that brings together some of the top players in the coastal region.
Odhiambo who plays for Mbotela Club beat arch rival Jillo Mushata of Mombasa and Alaskan Chudi of Kilifi County who posted to book a date with the global champion.
Other top players included Steve Ngigi of Magongo, Mombasa, Kiema of Kitui, Thomas Obonyo of Maringo Club, Nairobi, Humphrey Kamau of Kongowea, Mombasa, Linus of Kitengela, Hussein Kyuli of Ukunda and Joel Nyamai of Makindu.
Kenya Draughts Association Secretary General Charles Musyoka said the tournament is good for local players as it will earn them exposure that could lead them take part and win future international assignments.
”We are determined to have local players get exposure by playing against some of the most experienced global players,” Musyoka told Standard Sports.
This will be the second time the two players will be facing each other after their debut in 2019 when they played 20 matches, which resulted in one victory for each player and 18 draws.
The match against the world champion will assist in preparing Odhiambo for World Draughts Qualifiers to be hosted in the United States of America in April next year.
