Zonal youth chess: Uganda struggles in Kenya
Apr 19, 2017
They have lost four of their five opening games against Kenya.
ZONE 4.2 YOUTH U16 TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Venue: Mombasa, Kenya
Dates: April 15-23
MOMBASA - The going has so far been tough for Uganda at the ongoing Zone 4.2 Youth U16 Team Chess Championships in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa.
They have lost four of their five opening games against Kenya and drawn one with Tanzania.
The tournament is featuring six teams - four for hosts Kenya, and one each for Uganda and Tanzania.
As is stands, the hosts have imposed their dominance, with team Kenya Two leading the table on 19 points. The other three Kenyan teams take up the subsequent positions. Tanzania are in fifth place while a below-par Uganda sit rock-bottom on a lowly two points.
Despite Uganda's lethargic performance at the event, Coach Olga Namwanje believes the Ugandan representatives can still muster some victories in the tournament.
"We have not had it well with Kenyan teams in the previous rounds but I believe once the players finally settle in and get to understand how the teams play then we shall be able to win the rest of our games."
Her team did not have international exposure prior to this edition.
None of the five Ugandan players managed to get a point against Kenyan opposition. Five rounds have been played for so far and five remain.
Table standings
Kenya two 19 points
Kenya three 11
Kenya one 11
Kenya four 10
Tanzania 6.5
Uganda 2