Chess: KCB’s Shah is a treasure trove of chess memories

Krishi Shah in action during a past match. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

It would be impossible to write a chapter of chess in Kenya without mentioning Woman Fide Master (WFM) Krishi Shah.

One of the brightest Kenya players, she is on the verge of writing history after dominating local and international chess tournaments for the past 10 years.

She has what it takes to be a modern chess master and with six-years’ experience on the board, she continues to amuse the world of chess.

“Since I was six, I found refuge in chess,” Shah said during an interview with the Standard Sports. “Chess is my life and without it I would not be where I am today.”

Shah is two categories away from being rated as an expert, also known as the Grand Master (GM).

“Every athlete has a goal, to be the best or attain the best rating in their sport. For me, I believe I can get to the GM since I have the time,” she said.

Her mother who introduced her to the game at the age of six ignited her passion for chess.

Through hard work and dedication, Shah had the privilege to represent Kenya internationally numerous times and attained two FIDE International Chess Federation titles; Woman Candidate (WCM) and Woman Fide Master (WFM).

She attained the WCM title by winning Silver (U8 category) during her first international tournament at the 2011African Youth Chess Championships in Lusaka, Zambia.

**Krishi Shah (right) being awarded by Chess Kenya Arbiter Anthony Kionga.** [Washington Onyango,Standard]

In 2014, aged 10, she had the privilege of joining Kenya Premier Chess League (KPCL) defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Chess Club.

Two years later, she attained WFM title by winning Gold in Zambia at the African Schools Individual Chess Championships in 2016.

Other international events she has graced include Commonwealth Chess Championships, South Africa (joint third position) and World Youth U16 Olympiad and open events held within Kenya.

She is currently ranked the top player in U18 Girls and third in women nationally.

“I have been the National Champion in my age category for many years and since the age of 10, have played at senior level against both men and ladies having won many first prizes among the Ladies and juniors,” she added.

Nicknamed as the ‘cub’ and currently in her fifth season with the bankers, Shah takes pride in helping KCB win the league last year unbeaten, a feat she never saw coming.

“It feels prestigious to play for a winning team, one which encompasses the best players in the country. This inspires me to improve my game and my aim is to soon be on par with co-members the likes of Sasha Mongeli and Ben Magana,” she added.

A high school student at Premier Academy, Nairobi, Shah is now eying a spot at the 45th World Chess Olympiad to be held in Minsk, Belarus in 2022 after missing a spot on national qualifiers held earlier this year for the 2021 games.

“My goal now is to make it to the 2022 games possibly after this coronavirus pandemic. I am training every day through playing at the numerous online tournaments and I believe I have the time to prepare well and better for the games,” she said.