Christian Mugambi take surprise lead as Kenya National Junior Chess Championships starts

Christian Mugambi has taken an early lead after three rounds of the ongoing Kenya National Junior Chess Championships.

Mugambi from Sports View Talent has picked a maximum of three points after winning against Eli Osidiani, Reeyan Gosrani and Jamie Kanango.

Six players are tying in second with six points each proof of the competitive nature of the tournament whose winner will qualify to represent the country in November's Africa Junior Chess Championships in Egypt.

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They are Aguda Lwanga, Kaloki Hawi, Nathaniel Manyeki, Kelly Mwaniki, Teddy Wahome and Jerry Simiyu. Suleiman Omondi and Aguda Lwanga complete the top ten positions.

In the girls category, national under-12 champion Kaloki Zuri is at the top after collecting three points.

Former African champion Winnie Kaburu is tied for second also with three points together with Mercy Ingado.

There are no surprises in the top ten as the usual suspects are fighting to finish in the top position.

Ibrahim Zena from Victoria Chess Club lies fourth after collecting 2.5 points.

This is the first local competition for Zena this year after representing the country at the Africa Youth Chess Championships held in South Africa in June.

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She is tying with Angel Kagambi, Shukri Shakira and Maashao Genevieve who all have 2.5 points.

Elsewhere, after the Mombasa Open and Nairobi Open tournaments, action moves to Nakuru for the Nakuru Open tournament on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November at Cool Rivers Hotel.

The event is the third Open tournament culminating in the national championships which will be held from Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 December.

A number of top players are expected to take part in the Nakuru Open which is offering a prize fund of Ksh200,000.

Former national champion Mehul Gohil as well as current champion Joseph Methu are expected to turn up for the event.

In the ladies category, Nairobi Open winner Julie Mutisya who is from Nakuru will be attempting to win another title this time in her home ground.