Chess: Top players conquer in Karatina tourney

ian Muthie (left) of Bishop Gatimu Ngandu High School, Nyeri and Irene Akinyi of St Ursula Girls. [Timothy Bundi]

Shah Viha from Waridi Ventures took an early lead in girls’ Under-8 category of the Kenya National Youth Championships at Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School, in Nyeri.

Viha had collected four points by yesterday morning and was poised to win in her category.

More than 1,600 students from 100 schools are taking part in the three-day event.

Fantalis Nduta from Light House Academy and teammate Tracy Ciara had also collected four points each at the end of round five. 

In the boys’ category, Reuben Curtis from Mudasa Academy in Kisumu was also on four points after four rounds.

Njunge Dwayne from NJS Christian School, Kagambi Jeremiah from Waridi Chess Ventures and Mwai Ryan Muhindi from Seedlings Junior School also had four points each.

The competition was most fiercest in girls’ under-16 category where 13 players collected maximum three points.

Audrey Tracy from Kaimosi Girls High School led the pack. Others with three points each were Mary Wanjiru, Gillian Otieno, Esther Chepto, Faith Sweeny, Patricia Mbua, Jebet Joy, Shah Krishi, Jepchirchir Faith, Joyceline Wabwire, Brenda Jerotich, Keranda Holiness and Vanessa Wanjiru.