G. WanderaGohil edges closer to third national chess title
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 29.12.23. | 21:05
The tournament concludes on Saturday after nine rounds of matches
With two rounds of matches to go, national champion Mehul Gohil has made the greatest improvement in the ongoing Kenya National Chess Championships at Charter Hall.
Gohil, who is eyeing a record third title, moved closer to his dreams after edging out Ben Magana from KCB in Friday’s morning match, which saw him rack up 6.5 points and moved to second on the rankings.
He had also edged out Jackson Kamau, another KCB player, in round six and now looks poised to easily defend his title and drive away with a third car in four years.
Joseph Methu maintained his position at the top of the rank with a maximum of seven points after edging out Elvis Likoko from Equity Bank.
It was his second win in a row against opposition from Equity Bank after he had dispatched off last year’s runners-up, Hugh Misikho, in round six.
Methu, who turns out for KCB, said he is not under pressure despite being in fine form in this year’s championships.
“So far, so good. But my focus is on each game as it comes. I am not thinking about winning the title but getting points in each of my games,” he said.
Methu will be hoping to go into the last day of the competition with maximum points to give himself a realistic opportunity of winning his first-ever national title.
In the women's section, Sasha Mongeli maintained her unbeaten run after dispatching surprise package Elizabeth Cassidy.
Cassidy, 13, is the African silver medalist in her category and is taking part in just her second national championship, where she has so far registered surprising results ahead of other more established players.
Defending champion Joyce Nyaruai remains in second place in the ladies' section after losing to Mongeli in round six.
She won round seven against Nicole Albright and is back in contention for the title.
The tournament concludes on Saturday after nine rounds of matches.
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