Kaloki on course to clinch Eldoret Open despite slow start
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 08.02.26. | 16:56
The tournament is in its second year and has seen a significant increase in the prize fund
Kenya’s top rated player Kaloki Hawi remained in contention for the top prize at the ongoing Eldoret Open tournament, despite a bad start on the first day at St.Luke’s Hospital.
Hawi, who boasts a rating of 2173,picked four wins in a row, first beating Farnsworth Temba and then stopping Nkanda Mwega.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
He before dispatching Liam Tindi and Noormohmmed Shabir and now stands at four points.
“My target is to finish in the medal bracket and looking forward to a positive finish,” he said.
Ugandan Abdul Wagodo was at the top of the log in the open section.
Wagodo, who also plays for Victoria Chess Club, collected 4.5 points.
In second place was Atem Gak Ngong also on 4.5 points.
Brian Irungu is in third place with four points same.
He is tied on points with 10 other players proving just how tough the event is turning out to be.
Former national champion Joyce Nyaruai was the undisputed leader in the ladies' category on the second day of the tournament.
Nyaruai, who missed out on the national team for this year’s Chess Olympiad, has five points and is on course to claim the ladies title and the Kshs 30,000 prize fund on offer.
Eldoret-based Cheryl Mutwol was in second place with four points same as Mary Wangari.
The Eldoret Open Championships is the first senior event in the Chess Kenya calendar this year.
It acts as a Grand Prix event for selecting the Kenyan team that will feature in various international tournaments next year.
The tournament is in its second year and has seen a significant increase in the prize fund, rising from Kshs.80,000 paid out last year to Kshs 116,000 on offer this year.
.jpg)
