Zabasajja Memorial Chess Championship: Fide Master Haruna Surpasses National Team Coach to Win 2024 Edition
Uganda Fide Master Haruna Nsubuga has merged the overall champion of the Inaugural Zabasajja Memorial championship that has climaxed on Sunday, 28th , January 2024 at Nob view Hotel Ntinda.
The championship that was held in remembrance of William Zabasajja who died in 90s has attracted at least 215 participants from five different countries but of course, Uganda had the majority number.
Nsubuga, the overall winner, won seven games and drew one in eight games and the draw came against the National Chess team coach Wanyama Harold.
The Fide Master told this website that the competition has been a tough one but he used it as a precursor for the upcoming national team trials.
“I managed to become the victor, I am happy for myself, it was a hard one but the training that has been done is really paying off, the event was a success to me, I liked the quality of games played by my opponents.” Says Fide Master Haruna Nsubuga.
“To me, it’s like training, I am looking forward to winning more events and qualifying for many other events, there is Olympiad in Hungry which is coming up soon in September, so I am using this as training ground.” He added.
The Nigerian player, Magnus Ekpiken asserted that it was a great game and was very impressed by the way Ugandans play.
“I wish I would have played better, maybe I felt like a bit Ill but overall I am very impressed with organisation, in Nigeria we have high ratings but Uganda has small ratings but they play very well, I am impressed, I played with young people who played very well, generally Uganda’s Chess is good and recommend able” says Magnus Ekpiken, a Nigerian who took part in the championship.
The 15 year old girl who won the Ladies’ category also revealed how she won.
“I feel very happy about winning this championship and I hope to have many great experiences ahead.” The overall winner in Ladies’ category, Sana Kayyar, a 15 year old girl.
In the same line, Ampaire Shakira heaped praise unto the tournament, she won the silver medal.
“The tournament has moved on well, it has been the last in grand prior event, where they select the national team, so I am very happy that am among those who are going to play qualifiers. Such tournaments help us to practice and prepare for bigger stages.” Says Ampaire Shakira Woman Candidate Master Uganda Chess Federation and the development director.
Harold Wanyama the national team coach says such tournaments helps players to gauge and get confidence before being called for national team representations
Nsubuga walked away with 2.5 millions shillings cash from Uganda Chess Federation.
William Zabasajja was the first to win at least eight straight championship in early 90s, they saw it important to have a memorial tournament in his name and his family members attended the event.
The winners of different categories and the prize money:
Best Junior girl: Zuri Tatiina [50000/-]
Best Junior boy: Wabwire Ronald (9 year old boy) [50000/-] plus 100000/- from Impressed Nigerian.
U1700 rating category:
3. Batambuze Amis
2. Nyombi Ibrahim Collins [125000/-]
1. Tumula Calvin from Soroti Chess Club [175000/-]
Hero rated:
3. Kato Richard (som Chess Academy Katwe)
2. Mado Garang (South Sudan)
1. Musasizi Emmanuel [350000/-]
Best seniors those above 50 years
2. Eng.Kamu Joseph [100000/-]
1. Kikabi Geofrey (makindye) [150000/-]
Ladies category:
3. Ndagire Mary Kevin [350,000/-]
2. Ampaire Shakira [775,000/-]
1. Sana Kayyar [925,000/-] plus 100,000/- cash from Impressed Nigerian
Most brilliant game was between Wabwire Ronald and Lukonge Moses.
Wabwire Ronald won 50,000/-
Open section:
4. Wanyama Harold [250,000/-]
3. Gongthon Gong [750,000/-]
2. Arthur Ssegwanyi [1.5M]
1. Fide Master Haruna Nsubuga [2.5M]