Youth shine at Nyanza Regional Youth Chess tournament in Kisumu

Junior chess masters in action during the Nyanza Region Chess Championship.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The Nyanza Regional Youth Chess Tournament held at Kasagam Secondary School on Sunday saw a remarkable turnout, with over 450 students participating in the prestigious event.

The tournament highlighted the immense talent present in the region, particularly in the under 17 categories where Mary Agnes from Makini School and Fabian Jesse also from Makini emerged as the top players among girls and boys, respectively.

Agnes finished top with six points followed by Mercy Achieng and Mary Atieno both from Koru Girls. On the other hand, Jethwa Shiv and Koradia Dhairya finished second and third respectively behind Jesse.

Kisumu Senior's Ravat Rishit won the Under 15 category ahead of James Wikita and Barrack Obama while Shukri Shakira emerged top in the girls category ahead of Serena Stacy and Kayla Ambasa.

In the Under-7 category, Kyle Aswa Omondi from Sapphire School finished third with five points same as second placed Toto Clive-wren as Silim Hussein from Jalaram Academy was top with six points.

In the girls category, Zanelle Gift was top with six points. Bodalikar Shivishwar won the under 9 boys as Delvie Achieng of The Msingi School won the girls category.

The event saw participation from several notable schools including Makini School, Mudasa Academy, Msingi School, Kisumu Senior School, Jalaram Academy, and Koru Secondary. Makini School stood out prominently, clinching the title of the best school in the tournament.

Candidate Master and also Fide Instructor Ben Magana awarding a medal to Jesse Fabian of Makini School.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Ben Magana, a renowned chess player and speaker at the event, emphasized the importance of dedication and training in mastering chess.

"For a child to be good at chess, it takes deliberate efforts and sacrifices in terms of training to reach professional levels. Parents should not give up on investing in their kids when it comes to chess," said Magana, encouraging parents to continue supporting their children's chess aspirations.

Kyle Aswa from Sapphire School (R), Clive Wren-Toto from Kings and Queens Academy (center) and Silim Hussein from Jalaram Academy.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Andrew Owili, the tournament director, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the overall success of the event.

"I am impressed by the turnout and the success of the event. The chess fraternity is growing across the region," observed Owili, noting the expanding interest and participation in chess within the community.

The Nyanza Regional Youth Chess Tournament has undoubtedly showcased the burgeoning talent and the growing enthusiasm for chess among young players in the region.

The success of the tournament is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the participants and their supporters, promising a bright future for chess in Nyanza.