This archive report was first published on 12 September 2021.
On a sunny Saturday in Kisumu, the Plainsview Junior Chess Tournament brought together 22 young chess enthusiasts to compete for the top spot. The event, held under strict COVID-19 protocols, saw Bryden Akwera and Joy Faith emerge as the top boy and girl respectively.
Akwera's impressive performance earned him five wins with a tie break of 23.5 points, leaving him at the top of the overall standings. His victories came against Morely Nasike, Joy Faith, Shantel Otieno, Gregory Hawi, and Darren Damian, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Owen Yalwala.
Yalwala finished second overall with five wins and a tie break of 23 points, while Chrispine Mwendwa took third place with a tie break of 20.5 points and five wins. Hawi and Damian came fourth and fifth respectively, both with four wins.
Joy Faith, the best girl, secured sixth place with four wins and a tie break of 19 points. Her victories came against Triumph Karama, George Giovani, Troy Odindo, and Bruce Imani, with her two defeats at the hands of Dramian and Akwera.
Morely Nasike and Divina Malkia finished as the second and third best girls respectively, each with three wins out of six board matches played.
Isaac Ondeng, the tournament director and National Chess Instructor, congratulated the junior players on their performance and encouraged schools and parents to enroll their children in playing chess. Ondeng highlighted the benefits of chess, stating, "Through chess, students improve their general learning skills; learn important social/interactive skills and an important array of intellectual skills. Many countries have officially recognized the value of learning chess and have integrated chess into the curriculum."
With the return to play of other sports, the chess community is eager to resume big tournaments between schools. However, for now, mini-school tournaments will continue to be organized.
