South Sudanese dominate at Nakuru Open Chess Championship
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 05.05.25. | 15:15
Punchol collected 5.5 points and pocketed Ksh30,000, which was on offer for the winner
James Punchol from South Sudan was crowned winner of the Nakuru Open Chess Championships, which came to an end over the weekend.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Punchol collected 5.5 points and pocketed Ksh30,000, which was on offer for the winner.
Brian Irungu from KCB finished runners-up with 5 points, while Madol Garang from South Sudan finished third, also on 5 points.
Nakuru-based teenager Jadon Simiyu managed an impressive fourth finish after collecting 4.5 points.
Esther Karanja from Nakuru was the winner of the ladies category after collecting six points. Former World Amateur champion Madelta Glenda made a tremendous comeback to active play, finishing runners-up with 5 points.
For her effort, Karanja walked away with Ksh15,000 while Glenda earned Ksh10,000.
Nicole Albright locked the podium after finishing with 4 points. Speaking afterwards, Glenda said she now has time to play in more tournaments.
“It has been a busy schedule for me with school work, but that is now out of the way for me, which means that I will play more and win more tournaments,” she said.
The three-day tournament was part of the grand prix events used to select a national team squad that will represent the country in international events next year.
The KCB Chess Team was crowned the Best Corporate Team at the tournament.
Speaking after the team’s victory, KCB’s Martin Njoroge said: “I am elated having bagged the corporate category with my team. We have an incredible pool of talent, and even though we missed some players, we were able to bring the trophy home.
After this win. We now shift our focus to the Kiambu Open before the league resumes the week after.”
Another KCB player, Boera Felix, finished sixth with four points, while FIDE Master Joyce Nyaruai, who opted to play in the open section, emerged 12th, showcasing the team’s incredible talent
“I have always played in the ladies’ category, but this tournament, I decided to participate in the open section to compete against some of the best talent in the region.
The competition was indeed tough, but I am happy because I was able to finish in a good place. We look forward to more of such tournaments in the future,” noted FIDE Master Joyce Nyaruai.
.jpg)
