Uganda’s Sana tops U-16 category at 2023 World Youth Chess Championship
Sana Omprakash Kayyar of Uganda made a remarkable start to her campaign at the 2023 World Youth Chess Championship beating the opponent in the first round of the tournament happening in Montesilvano,Italy.
Sherry Ariella Agaba, Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar and Sana Omprakash Kayyar who repersented Ugand at the World Youth Chess Championship in Italy.
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
The Uganda youth chess team started on a good note after beating both Canada 1-0 in the world Youth Chess Championships.
Sana Omprakash Kayyar of Uganda made a remarkable start to her campaign at the 2023 World Youth Chess Championship beating the opponent in the first round of the tournament happening in Montesilvano,Italy.
She achieved a victory over a highly rated Canadian player, Ruchinskaya Valeri, in the Under 16 girls’ category.
Sana, the reigning 2023 Lady National Junior Champion and Africa Youth U16 silver medalist, displayed her talent and skill, setting the stage for a promising performance in the championship.
Unfortunately, the other two players from Uganda did not have a favorable start. Sherry Ariella Agaba, competing in the Under 14 girls’ category, lost to Qi Jenny from the USA.
Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar, a brother to Sana participating in the Under 14 boys’ category, was defeated by Jiahao Eric from Norway.
However, the Ugandan team remains hopeful that they will draw inspiration from Sana's victory and bounce back from their initial setbacks.
The team left for Montesilvano, Italy on November 12, 2023, and the tournament commenced the following day.
The president of Uganda Chess Federation (UCF), Emmanuel Mwaka has thanked the Italian embassy for the speed used to grant visas to the Ugandan players
“It is worth mentioning that the Ugandan team encountered visa challenges during the process of securing appointments. Nevertheless, the embassy counselor provided assistance by granting an expedited visa interview for the team,” noted Mwaka.
But regrettably, Olympian Patricia Kawuma, missed the visa appointment, as her guardians could not deliver her in time for the interview. Often such misses attract penalties off the initial deposited amounts at events according to Mwaka.
The event is played in the Swiss format and will run till November 24.
The Opening Results:
Canada 0 – 1 Uganda.
Uganda 0 – 1 USA
Norway 1 – 0 Uganda