Sana Kayyar Omprakash shines at National Junior Chess Championships

Woman International Master (WIM) Sana Kayyar Omprakash has made a blistering start to the National Junior Chess Championships, leading the ladies’ category with a flawless run of six wins from six games.

The reigning African Youth Champion preserved her unbeaten record in round six after defeating second-placed Zuri Tatiina, cementing her position at the top of the standings.

Sana now faces her toughest test later today against Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Juliet Asaba, who sits second with 5.5 points.

Both players recently returned from the African Youth Chess Championships in Zimbabwe, where Asaba claimed silver and Sana secured gold. A win for Sana would seal the national junior title in the ladies’ category, while victory for Asaba would push the championship battle into the final round.

Suhana Anil Yadav in action at the National Junior Chess Championships.

Elsewhere in the ladies’ section, Nyatia Ahumuza faces Asiimwe Olivia, while Hailey Michelle takes on Nakatudde Macklin. All four players are tied on five points and remain in contention for a podium finish.

In the open category, Arthur Mwase stunned Alvin Muhiirwa on board one to maintain his perfect record. The defeat dropped Muhiirwa to third place on five points with two rounds remaining, leaving him in a must-win situation against Edmund Lwanga in round seven. Mwase, meanwhile, faces Innocent Baguma in a top-of-the-table clash.

The open section remains tightly contested, with 12 players tied on five points, all still in the race for podium positions.

Event organiser Sanya Derrick described this year’s championship as highly competitive, noting a significant improvement in the standard of play among Uganda’s youth.

“We have seen amateur players defeating national team players in this tournament, and to us that is very good for the competition,” Sanya said.

Winners in both the ladies’ and open categories will represent Uganda at the forthcoming African Youth Chess Championships in May, as well as other continental and international events.

The tournament has attracted over 300 players from across the country, making it one of the most competitive editions in recent years.

Selected results

Open category

Alvin Muhiirwa       0 Arthur Mwase   1

Innocent Baguma   1 Jovan Kasozi     0

Daniel Odokonyero 0.5 Soubith Omprakash 0.5

George Ssempijja   0.5 Mwase Mathew   0.5

Ronald Wabwire    1 Daniel Mukundwa   0

Okurut Martin        0 Apollo Ahumuza   1

Ladies’ category

WCM Sana Omprakash 1   Zuri Tatiina   0

Suzan Namukobe           0   Juliet Asaba   1

Lukanga Tabith               0   Asiimwe Olivia   1

Suhana Anil Yadav         1   Tosha Torana   0

Nakatudde Mackline    1   Mwesigwa Faith   0

Hailey Michelle              1   Nambi Flavia   0