Uganda flags off 42nd chess Olympiad team

Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) have flagged off their second participant of a team of 10 expected to represent the country at the on-going 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Women FIDE Master (WFM) Grace Kigeni will be joining Phiona Mutesi who travelled earlier for the two-week event ending on September 14 at the Baku Crystal Hall.

Kigeni is expected to launch her quest in the third round on Sunday and according to UCF general secretary Christopher Turyahabwe, the setback was due to limited funds in the federation treasury.

"We would have expected to have the whole team at the venue on time for the opening ceremony but our hands were tied due to limited finances," Turyahabwe stated.

He added that National Council of Sports (NCS) bailed out the team but they have still failed to get bookings on the various airlines.

"NCS bailed us with an offer of air tickets that will allow us take the whole team and payback on return but as I speak, our travel agents say all airplanes are full so we have to wait," he said.

While in Baku, Mutesi will have to miss her second rounds today as per the rules of the games. At the Olympiad, a country must be represented by at least two players to be paired for any round.

Others who are on the local women's team include, WFM Goretti Angolikin, Christine Namaganda and Joyce Kabengano.

On the men's side are FM Harold Wanyama, FM Patrick Kawuma, Emmanuel Mwaka, Simon Gonza and Farouk Fauza.