Chess: Upsets galore as national team selection concludes

There were several upsets as the national team selection for this year’s World Olympiad to be held in Hungary concluded at the weekend.

The tournament was held over two weekends after which the final ten players (five men and five women) were selected to represent Kenya in various international tournaments this year.

In the men’s category, national champion Joseph Methu was the biggest casualty after he failed to make the team.

Methu who won the top prize-a-car during last year’s national championships finished in sixth position during the qualifiers after collecting 5.5 points.

Speaking on his failure to make the team, Methu said the event was tough and congratulated all those who made it to the final team.

“It was tough all through and the best players made it to the team. I want to congratulate them for a great performance and wish them the best in Hungary,” he said.

Also failing to make it to the team was Victor Ngani who was placed seventh after collecting 4.5 points.

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Ngani was part of the national team players who featured in last month’s Zone 4.5 Africa Chess Championships in Madagascar where he finished in fourth position.

Strathmore University’s Ian Mutuge was the surprise inclusion in the team after he finished third in the qualifiers with six points.

Mutuge made it to the team alongside Robert Macligeyo, Martin Njoroge, Mathew Kanegeni, and Elvis Likoko.

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In the women's category, former World Amateur champion Madelta Glenda was the biggest flop after she finished last in the qualifiers getting only a single win.

Those who made it to the team are national champion Sasha Mongeli, Julie Mutisya, Joyce Nyaruai, Nicole Albright, and Mercy Ingado.

The World Olympiad will be held from September 10-23, 2024.