Asaba secures sixth straight win at Africa schools chess tourney

________________

Uganda Open chess champion Juliet Asaba has continued her impressive performance in the ongoing Africa Individual Schools Chess Championships, securing her sixth consecutive win from six matches played.

Asaba, who is competing in her first international tournament, defeated Kenyan Gilana Angel Muthoni 1-0 to maintain her top spot on the table with six points in the U-13 category.

Team Uganda, however, registered mixed results, with Alvin Muhirwa and Ronald Wabwire managing draws in the U-15 and U-11 boys’ categories, respectively, limiting their chances of topping the leaderboard.

The undefeated Wabwire was held to a draw by Kenyan Jayson Kimani Ndorwa, while Muhirwa also drew with another Kenyan, Wayne Joe Njarumi.

Wabwire is the highest-ranked player on the continent in his category, but his chance of winning a gold medal hinges on his upcoming matches against Kenya’s Nathanael Manyeki, South Africa’s Emilio Goncalves, and Zambia’s Dinodia Priyanshu.

Shoubhith Omprakash, who lost his previous game, bounced back to winning form with a 1-0 victory over Kenyan Maoga Trevor in a thrilling encounter.

After six rounds of games, Uganda has delivered significant results, particularly in the U-15 boys’ open and U-13 categories, where Daniel Odokonyero has recorded five wins out of six games, with three rounds remaining.

Patrick Ojok, secretary of the Uganda Chess Federation and head of delegation, expressed optimism that the team would win some medals despite stiff competition from hosts Kenya, who fielded over 900 competitors.

Rounds 7 and 8 continued Monday, with the Ugandan players aiming for their best performance yet at the African level.

Pido Edwin won Uganda’s last gold medal in the previous edition held in 2021 in the U-15 category.

The 12 winners in each category will represent Africa at the World Chess Championships in Brazil next year.

Round 6 Results

U-17 Open

Tandeka Shillow (UGA) 1-0 Tindi Victor (Kenya)

U-15 Open

Alvin Muhirwa (UGA) ½–½ Joe Njarumi (Kenya)

Shoubhith Kayar (UGA) 1-0 Maoga Trevor (Kenya)

Jesse Fabian (Kenya) 1-0 Mwanje Kethan (UGA)

U-15 Girls

Asiimwe Olivia (UGA) 1-0 Amyra Jain (Zimbabwe)

Milan Suter (Kenya) 1-0 Kyosiimye Abigail (UGA)

Natalia Wanjiku (Kenya) ½–½ Lakica Elna Mercy (UGA)

U-13 Girls

Suhana Amil Yadav (UGA) 1-0 Wamaitha Rania (Kenya)

Gilana Angel (Kenya) 0-1 Asaba Juliet (UGA)

Samara Nyokabi (Kenya) 0-1 Kirabo Anabel (UGA)

U-13 Open Boys

Daniel Odokonyero (UGA) 1-0 Wasonga Floyd (Kenya)

Dara Tendereza (UGA) 0-1 Oyang Sankara (Kenya)

U-11 Girls

Tosha Torana (UGA) ½–½ Avriel Agata (Kenya)

U-11 Open Boys

Ronald Wabwire (UGA) ½–½ Jayson Kimani (Kenya)

Augustine Turyatemba (UGA) 1-0 Jayden Kiai (Kenya)

U-7 & U-9 Open Boys

Shaun Miles (Kenya) 0-1 Francis Tumusiime (UGA)

Mulema Sean (UGA) 0-1 Jayden Kiongora (Kenya)

Rayvon Kirenga (Kenya) 0-1 Kagoda Aaron (UGA)

Mbugwa Pete Jasiri (Kenya) 1-0 Bigisha Gary Noah (UGA)

Matayo Barigye (UGA) 1-0 Eden Nagilei (Kenya)

Asher Mbugua (Kenya) 0-1 Kiggundu Ernest (UGA)