Chess: Newbies Pawncalypse top Kenya Online Chess League

Candidate Master (CM) Ben Magana in action against Griffin Mark during the 2021 Kisumu Open Rapid Chess Tournament.[Washington Onyango, Kisumu]

Debutants Pawncalypse Chess Club has surprised big clubs after leading the pack in the ongoing Kenya Online Chess League.

The newbies defeated Nyeri Chess Club 5-1, Strathmore University 4-2 before getting a clean sheet against new boys Kicosca United Chess Club 6-0 to solidify their lead atop the standings.

Pawncalypse remains unbeaten after amassing 46 match points from 16 games where they have won 15 games and drawn one.

Another unfamiliar side in the Technical University of Kenya follows in second place with 37 points from 17 games while Nakuru Chess Club is third with 34 points from 16 games.

KCB who are still unbeaten lie 4th with 33 points from 11 games and have 5 games in hand. Half of the squad were on international duty representing Kenya in the ongoing World Amateurs Chess Championship in Rhodes Island, Greece.

”It is exciting to see new talent coming up in the Kenya Online Chess League. We have had our share of challenges but we have been able to manage and run the league smoothly.”

 Poor internet connection especially among players in remote has been a major challenge. But with more players getting vaccinated, we hope to resume the over the board chess league early next year," said League Secretary Anthony Kionga.

The league will resume on Saturday but for the junior players.