Kawuma not wary of tough opposition

Mar 23, 2005

STEPHEN Kawuma is not wary of what he described as tough opposition at the Easter chess championship.

By William Muwonge

STEPHEN Kawuma is not wary of what he described as tough opposition at the Easter chess championship.

The eight round swiss competition, set for Lugogo, starts on Good Friday.

Olympian Kawuma, 24, is defending a title he won for the first time last year after several futile attempts.

“It will be a tough fight but I am ready to face any player,” Kawuma said yesterday.

The champion has the hurdle posed by his old rivals including his brother Moses Kawuma, Isaac Munanira, Geoffrey Kanduho, Grace Nsubuga and Shaddrack Kantinti, all Olympians.

“I have had many battles with these players before. I have trained with them lately and had good games,” Kawuma said.

According to Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) chairman Enock Barumba, Kawuma’s skill will be tested a lot more, as a team of Kenyan stars are expected for the tournament .

Barumba said a group from Rwanda comprising Fidel Mutabazi is also due today.

The only foreign player to have won the event is Kenyan great Humphrey Andolo in 2002.

Men’s winners since 1994
2004-S. Kawuma
2003-H. Mulambe
2002-H. Andolo
2001-B. Bibasa
2000-I. Munanira
1999-G. Nsubuga
1998-B. Bibasa
1997-G. Makumbi
1996-E. Kabuye
1995-N. Lauritsen
1994-N. Lauritsen

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