Chess: Kisumu shines as over 200 qualify for Africa Schools Individual Chess Championship

Samara Zawadi from Msingi School, Kisumu in action during the National Youth Chess Championships in Eldoret.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu County schools performed well in the recently concluded National Youth Chess Championships in Moi Girls High School, Eldoret as over 200 junior chess masters qualified for the Africa Schools Individual Chess Championship.

The 2022 Africa Schools Individual Chess Championship will be held in Monrovia, Liberia in December this year.

Mudasa Academy from Kisumu got position two nationally as Oshwal Academy finished top.

Breetaliza Amanda from Mudasa finished runners-up in the Under-7girls category with seven points behind winner Ariela Telo from Kinderstart Kindergarten.

Samara Zawadi fromThe Msingi School Academy finished third with seven points in the under-9 girls' category behind Rania Wamaitha from Little Pearls Academy and Annabel Mideva from Roots Academy who finished second and first respectively.

Kabarak High School's Elsie Mutitu and Lwanga Aguda from Consolata Secondary School emerged champions in the Under-17 category as Erica Muturi from Thika Road Christian High School and Moses Matthew Bejon from Oshwal Academy Mombasa won the under-15 category.

National Chess Instructor Isaac Ondeng who guided the Kisumu team said he was impressed by the performances of Breetaliza Amanda and Mudasa Academy while urging more schools to adopt chess in their co-curriculum activities.

"I am delighted at Mudasa success in the nationals. Coming second nationally behind Oshwal Academy is no mere feat and I trust they have a bright future."

"The students bravely fought against the tough opposition that they faced. They have been doing well in Kisumu County and I am delighted that they took that good performance to the National level. There is still a lot of work to be done as the kids have lots of potentials," said Ondeng.

"Breetaliza, is a girl whose learning curve has steepened over time. She has the right attitude and is also very hardworking. I am happy she managed to be in the top three. We only need to cement our position and ensure that she does better next time and in higher tournaments."

Floyd Wasonga and Curtis Ruben were among the players that represented Kenya at the first edition of the 2021 Africa Schools Individual Chess Championship held in March this year.