African champion Jadon Simiyu takes commanding lead at Kenya National Chess Championships
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 07.04.25. | 14:47
Simiyu, recently from the World Schools Championships in Serbia, has picked six points and is followed closely by Mugambi Christian Mwamba
Africa Youth Champion Jadon Simiyu remains at the top of the under-13 boys category as the Kenya National Youth Chess Championships entered its second day at Mangu High School.
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Simiyu, recently from the World Schools Championships in Serbia, has picked six points and is followed closely by Mugambi Christian Mwamba (1794), known for his aggressive middle-game tactics.
Isaac Kamoru from Spleng School holds the third spot. In this high-stakes group, 12 players are tied on points, making it anyone’s title to claim.
Amini Muhani of Maasai Primary School, who has been the revelation of the girls under-7 category, maintained a perfect score of six points going into the third and final day.
Her poise over the board belies her age, and she looks determined to make a clean sweep.
Hot on her heels is Banda School’s Aaliyah Jasmine McKenzie, also with a flawless six points.
Sitting closely in third is Muratha Ivy of Maria Loreto School with 5.5 points, whose draw in round two against the tactically sharp Annamarie Wairimu Wangaruro from the KBA School has kept her just off the pace.
In the boys' category, Hitansh Galaiya from Melvin School showed strong tactical awareness and clock discipline to remain at the top.
Kiptum Milan Kipruto of Pasai Primary matches him point-for-point with a clean sweep. The third spot is held by Karugo Timothy Maina of Pine Crest Academy, who displayed defensive tenacity in round five to hold Martin Jabali Murathime of Spleng School to a draw.
The girls under-9 category is proving to be one of the most competitive. Mali Mugo leads on a tie break and is closely followed by Jayne Awuor and Shepherd Junior’s twin aces Shanice Muthoni and Shanice Wambui. With all top five players sitting on six points, the final day promises a thrilling finish.
Highly rated Marc Antoine Ishimwe Ndagijimana of Premier Academy leads in the under-9 open category. Right behind him are Adriel Baraka (Brookshine Academy) and Baraka Jackson (Juja St. Peters).
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