FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Gibraltar rescheduled
FIDE and the organizing team of the Women’s FIDE Grand Prix in Gibraltar have decided to re-schedule the competition to a later date. The decision is taken in response to the development of the coronavirus pandemic in Gibraltar, where, unfortunately, the number of cases has increased significantly in recent weeks. In view of this, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo announced a new lockdown on January 2, which will be in place until at least January 16. During his press conference, Mr. Picardo said that “the numbers of new infections with Covid-19 in our community are remarkably high and concerning.” To ensure the safety and well-being of the players and all the staff involved in the event, we have decided to postpone it. The tournament will be held in late February if conditions allow. FIDE and the organizing team will keep working closely with the Gibraltar authorities to ensure that the competition meets and exceeds the recommendations of the local government and health authorities. Women’s FIDE Grand Prix Series:https://wgp2019.fide.com Gibraltar Chess Festival:http://gibchess.com Visit Gibraltar (Official Tourist board website):www.visitgibraltar.gi
Francis Anquandah and Felix Tobi win Ghana championship
Francis Anquandah and Felix Tobi Abena are new Ghana national chess champions. Anquandah scored 7 points in a 10-player round-robin that brought together most of the country’s top-rated players. Joseph Mensah came in second just a half-point behind the champion; Adu-Poku Kwabena took bronze. Ghana’s first and only International Master and multiple champion, Francis Anquandah won his first national title back in 1986, the same year he participated in his first Olympiad. His longtime rival and also multiple champion of Ghana John Hasford did not get to the podium this time and finished fourth. ½ Final standings open: 1. Francis Anquandah 7/92. Joseph Mensah – 6½3. Adu-Poku Kwabena – 64. John Hasford – 55. Cephas Fomevor – 4½6. David Ameku – 47. Edward Thompson – 3½8. Dwamena Aikings – 3½9. Prince Akpa – 2½10. Lionel Adu Jr. – 2½ The rating-favorite of the 5-player double round-robin national women’s championship, Tobi Felix lost only one game and won nine to finish 1½ points clear of the runner-up Maud Benson. This is the fourth consecutive title for Tobi. Final standings women: 1. Felix Tobi – 9/102. Benson Maud – 7½3. Ashley Christiana Naa Merley – 74. Majid-Michel Lady Rowena – 3½5. Addo Pearl – 36. Zakaria Minawara – 0