The Kenya National Chess Championship 2021 ended yesterday at Luke hotel, Nairobi. The nine-round Swiss tournaments (open and ladies sections) were played over five days from December 26-30 and attracted 211 players. 

In open section saw a dramatic finale as the defending champion Mehul Gohil faced off against Martin Njoroge in a two-game tiebreaker of 15minutes each. Both contenders scored 8/9 to tie for the first place, making just two draws each.  

After the tiebreaker ended in a 1-1 draw, the opponents proceeded to a blitz match. Martin won all two games and clinched the title of the National Kenya Champion of 2021. Over a short period of time the young player broke into adult chess to notch up the greatest success in his career. His achievement will hugely motivate his young peers.  

Final standings open:

The women’s tournament was also a close race with Sasha Mongeli and Triza Mwendwa sharing first place. Again, it boiled down to a tiebreaker to determine the champion. Sasha won both rapid games to be declared the Ladies National Kenya Champion of 2021.

Final standings women:

The winner of the 2021 National Championship Open Section - Martin Njoroge was awarded Brand New Mazda Demio by Chess Kenya President Mr Benard Wanjala during a colourful closing ceremony.