CHESS: Grandmasters arrive in Kenya to boost sport

Philip Singe of KCB (left) calculates a next move while playing with his colleague Havuna Nsubonga during Kisii Mocha chess open held at Mocha place in Kisii town on 25/11/2018.(photo Samm Omingo/standard)

Two Grand Masters arrive in the country this week in a move aimed at promoting the sport in Kenya.

Grand Master Victor Bologan from Moldovia and Bouaziz Slim from Tunisia will play a number of games while in the country and will be special guests during two tournaments  to be held at Makini School this weekend.

The first tournament will be held on Saturday and is an exclusive ladies event to run over six rounds.

On Sunday, an all men’s event will also be held at Makini and both events have a prize fund of Sh50,000 each.

Slim made history by becoming the first Grand Master from Africa while Bologan is a 43 year with a peak rating of 2734 elos.

He is an author of not less than seven  chess books and successfully defended a doctoral thesis on the structure of preparation of high level chess players at the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism.

According to Chess Kenya president Bernard Wanjala, they are delighted to have the two visiting and said they will take advantage of their presence to publicise the sport.

“It is exciting to have the two here even just for a few days. Having reached the pinnacle of their careers, they have  a lot to offer our players and we will take advantage of their presence,” he said.