Bibasa knocked out of Olympiad qualifiers

By David Namunyala 

Olympiad qualifiers / National Chess Championship

Ex-Olympian Bob Bibasa will not showcase his abilities in the final phase of the local chess Olympiad qualifiers following his dismal performance at the just concluded Olympiad qualifiers national chess championship at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Ndeeba over the weekend.

Bibasa who has appeared at the Olympiads twice managed very poor results, failing to beat the qualifier mark to progress among the top 12 finalists ahead of the final stage slated for May.

He won three games, drew two and lost three others to Arthur Ssegwanyi, Rapheal Buti and Frobisha Katula to finish with 4 points in thirteenth position.

Leading the table is Candidate Master Patrick Kawuma with 6.5 points followed by Raphael Buti and Harold Wanyama with 6 points each.

The three will be joined by Arthur Ssegwanyi, Frobisha Katula, Farouk Fauza, Grace Nsubuga, Shadrack Kantinti, Kenneth Kakooza, Micheal Mawanda, Haruna Nsubuga and Mathias Ssonko.

The final for the men is slated for May 1-4 where the national team comprising of the best four male players will join IM Elijah Emojong who was given a bye following his title.

While in the women’s category Ivy Amoko is still leading with 7.5 points after 8 rounds. She is one point ahead of rivals Grace Kigeni, Goretti Angolikin and Phiona Mutesi with 6.5 points each followed by Christine Namaganda with 6 points.

Only the top five in the ladies round robin contest will fill up the slots required ahead of the Olympiads.