All set for 2023 Kisumu Junior Chess Championship

Florence Megh in action during a past Chess Tournament in Kisumu. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Over 500 junior chess masters are expected to grace the 2023 Kisumu Junior Chess Championship set to kick off on Saturday at Makini School in Kisumu.

Tournament director Andrew Owili says that with the growth of chess and the reception from stakeholders, he expects a good number to show up.

Junior chess master in action during a past Chess Tournament. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Governed by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) laws, the tournament will be played under the Swiss system where players will play six rounds with 25 minutes per round.

"This will be a regional chess championship event attracting the best schools and players across the vast Nyanza region.

"We expect the competition to be tough as this championship will be used as a qualifier for the national junior games set to be held in Nakuru County. Last time we had the Nationals in Kisii County, Kisumu County really performed well and we seek to replicate that performance again," said Owili.

Junior chess master in action during a past Chess Tournament. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

"Sports is a unifying factor to bring people together regardless of political and ethnic affiliation and I expect this tourney to change the mood especially in the wake of the ongoing demonstrations around the county."

Notable schools in the region like Makini School,Msingi School,Mudasa Academy, Jalaram Academy,Kings and Queens Academy, Sapphire School,M.A Junior School are expected to feature in the one day event.