Equity are new inter-bank chess champions

Kenyan players who took part inthe Africa Chess challenge in Zambia. (From left) WFM Krishi Shah, WCM Reana Paras Varsani, CM Samesh Arul, CM Adongo Alwanga Amol, CM Adongo Aguda Lwanga Amol. PHOTO: COURTESY

Equity Bank Chess are champions of the inter-bank games that concluded at Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS) recently.

The Equity side comprising Bernard Wanjala (captain), Njagi Kabugu, James Luala, Joseph Dau Kuer, Stanley Barasa, Hillary Kiprotich and Antony Wamburu outclassed perennial rivals Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and the defending champions Standard Chartered Bank (Stanchart) without much fuss.

They whitewashed KCB 4-0 and showed little respect for Stanchart, beating them with a similar margin.

Despite fielding a formidable side, Barclays Bank were not spared either though they salvaged a point as they went down 3-1 to on-form Equity, who spent two weeks in residential training in the run-up to the contest under veteran Olympian John Mukabi.

These are Equity, KCB, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), Cooperative Bank, National Bank of Kenya (NBK), Stanchart, Barclays, Bank of Africa (BOA), Investments & Mortgages Bank (I&M), Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), Gulf Bank and the National Industrial Credit Bank (NIC) were among a record 13 financial institutions that took part.

KCB must have rued their poor performance as they unexpectedly went down to underdogs BOA, who beat them 4-0.

National Bank and NIC Bank staged a comeback to the chess discipline after a long absence while debutants Gulf Bank found the going tough but enjoyed exposure to competitive chess.

Bernard Wanjala, the Equity’s captain, attributed the good show to commitment, discipline and focus of the team.

In July, Equity and KCB made their debut at the African Club Chess Championships in Giza, Egypt, where they finished in fifth place.

Equity Bank are the 2017 Kenya National Chess League champions-designate and will be feted at the awards ceremony set for Sunday.