KCB stretch premier league lead by 15 points after vital victories

Joyce Nyaruai (left) and Daphne Mwikali in league action. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Chess Club stretched their lead at the helm of the 2019 Kenya Premier Chess League to 63 points after winning all their league matches at KCB Sports Club over the weekend.

The 2018 runner-up defeated Gymkhana 3.5-1.5 after Philip Singe drew and Ben Nguku lost their matches against Samuel Kimani and Lawrence Kagambi of Gymkhana respectively.

In their second match, Kenya seed one Joseph Methu won 5-0 over Limuru Chess Club with Ricky Sang, Singe Njoroge and Gwen Jumba also winning their matches.

The victories saw the bankers extend their unbeaten run in the league to 21 matches, opening a gap of 15 points between them Anchor Chess Club, who have three games in hand.

Speaking with the Standard Sports, Methu said they are enjoying themselves and are focused on winning the title.

“We played very well today despite missing some of our top players; Harold Wanyama and captain Magana. This shows we are a very serious side,” said the acting captain.

Defending champions Equity Chess Club, who were not in action this weekend, dropped to sixth with 37 points, 26 points behind leaders KCB and with six games in hand.

Deadly Bishops dropped to third after losing to NACHA Kings 3-2 but bounced back to defeat Kenyatta University 4-1.

NACHA Kings were the weekend biggest winners collecting a massive nine points from their win over Bishops, Jomo Kenyatta University and Limuru.

Other matches saw Anchor Chess Club beat Prox and Eastlands 4-1and Bank of Africa thump Knight Riders 4-1.

The University of Nairobi won 5-0 against Gymkhana, Black Knights downing Limuru 4-0 as NCC saw off Trojan 4-1.