Chess: National champion Njoroge, CM Magana kick off Kisumu Chess tournament with wins : The standard Sports

Kenya National Chess champion Martin Njoroge and Kenya top seed Ben Magana kicked off the 2022 Kisumu Open Classic Chess Tournament on a high note after winning all their three matches on Saturday at Scottish Tartan Hotel in Kisumu.

Njoroge, ranked third in the country saw off Edward Mwaniki in round one before fending off Joel Okindo and Dismas Oketch of Kisumu Chess Club in round two and three respectively.

Candidate Master (CM) Ben Magana was also in a league of his own after defeating Young Lourdes, Monaheng Motlomelo and Brianna Brandy to remain on course to win the top prize.

“The tournament is good. We have a lot of competition because strong and experienced players have turned out and basically it makes this tourney interesting,” said Magana after his second match.

Other players who registered three wins include Jacob Onditi, Steve Okeyo, James Emanikor and Ugandan Abdul Shakuru.

The tournament resumes today with Onditi set to play Magana in round four where Njoroge will meet Okeyo, Shakuru face Emanikor and Joseph Methu face Jumba Gloria.

Gloria is the leading female so far with two wins and a draw.

Chess Kenya, County Director Sports and Talent Development Valerie Onyango, Githinii Hinga, Joseph Nderitu Andrew Owili of Victoria Chess Club and Andrew Mumia, Chairman Kisumu Chess Club are some of the sponsors who helped organize the tournament.