Ugandan chess star Pido set for World School Chess Championship

Uganda’s chess sensation Edwin Pido finally set foot in Panama ready to compete in the Fide World School Chess Championship, June 11-19.

The event that is being held at the Wyndham Convention Center in Albrook Hotel has attracted 485 participants drawn from 36 countries in the world. Pido who has made his maiden trip outside Africa is set to face off with the greatest junior chess talents across the globe, in the event that will have children competing in six age groups for boys and girls (U-7, U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17) for a total of 12 championships.

Pido, the St Mary’s College Kisubi Fide Master (FM), will participate in the U-15 age category of 101 participants (boys and girls). The top five highest-rated U-15 players consist of group leader Mendez Machado Andre from Panama with an international chess rating of 1995.

Closely following Mendez Bravo Mallco is Kate Azumi from Peru, Shivakumar Shawnak from USA, WFM Contreras Huaman Fiorella from Peru and Batista Rosas Nicolas Arturo from Panama.

Pido, one of Uganda’s fast-rising chess stars is currently ranked 24 in the U-15 category and has a lot to prove after he earned the FM title as an African U-15 champion.

He is among other fast-rising youngsters in Uganda that include Netanyahu Benjamin Ajiri (U-15), Ajiri Nygaard (U-13), Mwase Mathew (U-15), Mwase Arthur (U-13), Tandeka Shiloh (U-14), Manzi Munanukye (U-12), Michael Bainomugisha (U-13), Patricia Kawuma (U-15), Hannah Zion Mawejje (U-14), Jayden Kizito Mubiru (U-9), Kiwanuka Ssubi (U-13), Talia Atubet (U-8), Sana Kayyar (U-14), and Jacques Kennedy Javuru (U-11).