Methu, Nyaruai triumph at KCB Kenya Open Chess Championships

Joyce Nyaruai on her way to winning the KCB Kenya Open Chess Championships [Photo, Courtesy]

Joseph Methu and Joyce Nyaruai won the Open and Ladies category in this year’s KCB Kenya Open Chess Championships that ended on Monday in Karen.

The two who play for KCB in the national league were in top form throughout the four-day event.

Methu dethroned Ugandan Harold Wanyama who won the event last year after collecting 6.5 points.

After exhibiting good form from the first day, Methu was at the top of the leader board after the third day with victories over Larry Kagambi and Joseph Atwoli.

His win was assured on the last day when he edged out overnight leader Brian Adorwa to pocket the tournament’s Sh100,000 prize money.

Methu said he was excited by the win and believes this will propel him to even greater heights.

“It looked tough especially playing against such a competitive field but had to hold my own till the end,” he said.

Methu has been in blistering form over the last one year. He represented the country at the Olympiad in Georgia in 2018 and was among the top players during the national championships in December.

He has also qualified to be in the team that will represent Kenya at this year’s All Africa games to be held in Morocco.

The biggest disappointment was Amos Simiyu who took an early lead and was favourite to run away with the open title at the end of the second day as he was leading.

But two consecutive losses to Brian Adorwa and Ben Nguku put paid to his ambitions and he eventually finished outside the money bracket.

Nyaruai was in top form as she won the ladies section after collecting maximum points. She walked away with Sh50,000.

After the Kenya Open, action moves to Mombasa next month for the Zone 4.2 championships at Shaza Beach Hotel where over 40 players are expected to take part.