Kenya Championship 2024: Mclingeyo and Mongeli win titles
CM Robert Mclingeyo and WFM Master Sasha Mongeli emerged as the champions of the 2024 Kenya National Chess Championship (KNCC) held in the Makini School, Nairobi. The winner of the open section, 18-year-old CM Robert Mcligeyo, was awarded a brand-new Nissan Note worth Sh1.8 million (approximately $14,000) by the Chess Kenya Federation (CKF). Eighteen-year-old CM Robert Mcligeyo, the winner of the Open section, was awarded a brand-new Nissan Note valued at Sh1.8 million (approximately $14,000) by the Chess Kenya Federation (CKF). Representing KCB Chess Club, Mcligeyo delivered a remarkable performance, clinching the title with eight points. He edged out his closest rival and teammate, Jackson Ndegwa, who finished with 7.5 points. Mcligeyo’s ascent to the summit of Kenyan chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, he dethroned his former coach and defending champion, Joseph Methu. His victories included wins against strong opponents such as Shem Aberi (1738), Hadem Nyamiaka (1785), Felix Boera (1891), Brian Kadenge (1843), CM Aguda Lwanga (1845), and Methu (1976). He also held his ground with draws against Hillary Sagwa (1854) and Allan Chumba (1832). “I had been completely out of a winning position and I think the nerves got the better of me and I blundered and I think I was completely lost but then got a sudden surge of energy and I was able to push through and eventually win,” said Robert about his final-round game. This marks the fifth consecutive year Chess Kenya has awarded the national champion a car, a tradition that has inspired many junior players. “Our goal is to use sport to impact lives and give youth an option of succeeding through chess. Next year we will have two cars for open and women section,” said Benard Wanjala, Chess Kenya President. Final standings Open In the women’s section, WFM Sasha Mongeli successfully defended her title, claiming a cash prize of Sh100, 000 (approximately $775) for her efforts. The ladies’ event was highly competitive, with four players tying for first place with a score of 7/9. Sasha secured the championship based on the second tiebreaker—achieving the highest number of victories. “I kicked the tournament with a bad start after losing my second round game. I was so devastated, but I thank God for enabling me to reach here by emerging as the winner,” Sasha shared. Final standings Women Text and photos: Chess Kenya
Young talents shine at World Youth Rapid & Blitz Championship in Slovenia
The three-day Rapid World Youth Rapid & Blitz Championship concluded in Terme Čatež, Slovenia. The rapid competition, featuring 11 intense rounds, showcased the exceptional chess skills and resilience of the participants, with some games decided in dramatic time scrambles. Although many top-seeded players fell short of victory in their respective categories, India’s Pranav V. (pictured above), with an impressive rating of 2497, delivered a commanding performance, securing the title in the Under-18 category. Slovenia celebrated a notable success thanks to Matic Lavrenčič (pictured below), the 10th seed in the Under-16 category, who captured gold for the host nation. Vietnam emerged as one of the standout nations, winning three titles. Khung Duy Dau triumphed in the Under-14 Boys’ category, Bin Vy Nguyen claimed victory in the Under-16 Girls’ category, and Le Xuan Hien Dang (pictured below) secured the title in the Under-14 Girls’ category. Estonia also had a moment of triumph, as Sofia Blokhgin emerged as the winner in the Under-18 Girls’ category. The action continued on December 16 with the World Blitz Chess Championship in the U14, U16, and U18 categories. India’s Pranav V. once again showcased his dominance by winning the Under-18 competition. Vietnam’s Khung Duy Dau (pictued below) mirrored this rapid event success, achieving two gold medals with a stellar performance in the Boys’ U14 category. Other blitz champions also included Daniyal Sapenov (Kazakhstan) in the U16 Boys’ category, WFM Nguyen Ngoc Hien (Vietnam) in the U16 Girls’ category, WFM Elizaveta Dorokhina (FIDE) in the U18 Girls’ category, and WFM Elnaz Kaliakhmet (Kazakhstan) in the U14 Girls’ category. The closing ceremony marked the conclusion of yet another highly successful championship. Medals were presented by FIDE General Secretary Lukasz Turlej, President of the Slovenian Chess Federation Dušan Mes, Honorary Chair and Chief Events Inspection Officer Ozgur Solakoglu, and the 2024 European Rapid champion GM Vladimir Fedoseev. Complete results: chess-results.com/tnr1079180.aspx?lan=1&art=0&flag=30 Official website: worldyouthrb2024.com/ Photos: Luka Rifelj Photo gallery