Over 300 players battle for Ksh200,000 at Nairobi Open Chess Championship
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 17.10.24. | 14:40
With over 30 chess clubs and schools represented, the tournament has truly become a melting pot of chess talent, showcasing the growth of the sport both locally and internationally
The highly anticipated Nairobi County Chess Championship has registered a record 300 participants who will fight for the Ksh200,000 offered to the winner.
The three-day tournament starts on Saturday at the prestigious Wadi Degla Club, Runda and will feature three categories junior, open and women.
An attractive cash prize of Ksh200,000 will be on offer in the open and women categories.
Organized by the Nairobi County Chess Association, this event has brought together chess players from diverse regions, making it one of the most significant tournaments on the chess calendar.
Participants have travelled from major towns across Kenya, including Mombasa, Kitale, Kisumu, Nyeri, and Nakuru, representing their counties with pride.
Additionally, international players from Uganda, South Sudan, and the USA have joined the competition, bringing with them a global flair to the championship.
With over 30 chess clubs and schools represented, the tournament has truly become a melting pot of chess talent, showcasing the growth of the sport both locally and internationally.
Tournament organiser Antony Kionga said the championship will feature classical and blitz events.
“These extended formats are designed to offer players more opportunities to test their skills and improve their ratings. Our goal is to create a broader rating pool of players, not just locally but across the region.
By increasing the number of rounds to 8 in the Classical format and 11 in Blitz, we are providing more opportunities for players to earn FIDE ratings and grow competitively.
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It is about building a stronger foundation for chess in the country and beyond," Kionga remarked.
He revealed that the top eight will be broadcast live for the first time in the county, thanks to support from the Chess Kenya Federation.
The winner in the Open category will walk away with Ksh50,000 while the runners-up will pocket Ksh25,000. The winner in the women's category will pocket Ksh30,000.
Winners in the junior category will be awarded with trophies and medals.
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