Goj stars at Mombasa Open checkers' meet

National draughts champion Crispin 'Goj' Odhimbo will be the star act this weekend as the coastal region hosts the region's best in checkers at the Mombasa Open. 

Goj is among Nairobi players invited for the Open and he is using the meet as part of his preparations for the two tournaments in the USA that he has been invited to. 

"The Open brings together players from all coastal counties with Nairobi-based players featuring by invite. The event is sponsored by Jillo Mushata the national patron who works at the port of Mombasa," offered one of the organisers. 

The board game grandmaster has landed two invites to the US where he is expected to feature in this year's World Qualifiers Tournament and the US Open set for October in Vidor, Texas and Tisla, Oklahoma respectively. The two events had been slated for July and August but had to be pushed forward as the organisers try and monitor the Covid-19 situation that could hinder some players from travelling. 

Goj is likely to meet some of the best players from the region including Bernard Odawo who was the top placed player at the Mbotela Open played earlier in the year. 

In the Mbotela tournament, Goj lost his first match in 14 years to Thomas 'Manton' Obonyo to rank second in the tournament behind Odawo. His last loss came came in 2007 to Mombasa County’s Isaac Kidunguu.