CHESS: Kampala Junior Open Championship Climaxes
The second edition of the Kampala Junior Open chess Championship climaxed on Thursday at Kembabazi Restaurant -Naguru.
The championship that attracted 96 kids of different age categories saw smart kids upstairs winning gold, silver and bronze medals.
The tournament director, Ssonko Mathias Allan could not hide his excited while addressing media about the success of the event that has climaxed the activities of Chess this year, he asserted that this edition has over doubled the numbers they had last edition they held in August.
“We’re very glad to have a better turn up , more than twice the number we had last edition in August this year.” He said
“We were only limited by space, otherwise we could have hit beyond the numbers.”
Ssonko also revealed as to why they hold such under age tournaments.
“The tournament generally intended to promote the game, we had people who have just learnt the game, some two weeks old, some a month only but the coaches work on them, teaching them the basics of the game and the rules.
I was glad that this time, parents stood with us, we hardly organize tournaments during the week but this time we had too and still the parents laboured to stay and watch their kids playing.
“We also encourage parents to invite as many people around their circles for this call of creating new generation of Chess players. we believe when you learn chess, you get morales and discipline.” Ssonko explained.
Rickey Micheal Beinomugisha was among the kids who won gold medals and the U12 upcoming star defended his gold he won in the first edition, he revealed how chess helps him to sharpen his brains.
“I feel good and great after winning this medal again, I won it in August and I am happy to win the gold again, you know I lost one of my games and I saw others winning but I never lost hope, I kept on pushing until I caught up with them and finally winning.
Yes chess is a good sport, it sharpens my brain and helps me think a lot.” Says Rickey Micheal Beinomugisha the gold medalist.
The Under 14 gold medal winner Nygaard Ajiri revealed his style of play that helps him to win.
“I feel good winning this medal, it was tough, I was tired but I pushed through and won it, you know I prefer faster games and my target is to reach 1800 rating.”
The full list of winners from U8,U10,U12,U14 and under 16.
Under sixteen Boys/Girls:
Gold medal: Netanyahu Benjamin Ajiri
Silver medal: Ndagire Mary Kevin
Bronze medal: Terrence Zikusooka
Under sixteen girls:
Gold medal: Ndagire Mary Kevin
Silver medal: Hannah Zion Mawejje
Under 14 boys/girls:
Gold medal: Nygaard Ajiri
Silver medal: Sana Omprakash Kayyar
Bronze medal: Nakasi Kiwanuka
Under 14 girls:
Gold medal: Sana Omprakash Kayyar
Silver medal: Nakasi Kiwanuka
Bronze medal: Hailey Nio Michelle
Under 12 boys:
Gold medal: Rickey Micheal Beinomugisha
Silver Medal: Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar
Bronze medal: Jacques Kennedy Ringth Mugisa
Under 12 Girls:
Gold Medal: Henrietta Rhys Nsereko
Silver Medal: Aimee Nyatia
Bronze medal: Haihy Trifa
Under 10 boys:
Gold medal: Kizito Jayden Mubiru
Silver medal: Mugambe Kiwanuka
Bronze medal: Mwanje Kish Manuel
Under 10 girls:
Gold medal: Aine Atubet
Silver medal: Suhana Yadev
Bronze medal: Faith Karen Amongi
Under eight boys/girls:
Gold Medal: Joakim Sekatawa
Silver medal: Talia Atubet
Bronze medal: Mulwanyi Kiwanuka
Under eight girls:
Gold medal: Talia Atubet
Silver medal: Emily Kyebuzibwa Kibuuka
Bronze medal: Rwenkangi Kori