Second round of Chess Championship set for Feb as 40 make the cut

Some 40 players have qualified for the second phase of the All Africa games qualifiers after last weekend’s national chess championships at Parklands Sports Club.

The 40; 20 women and an equal number of men will battle it out in the second round to be held from February 1-3 over six rounds.

The third and final round will be held on March 8- 10 over 11 rounds in a single round robin format for both sections.

Chess Kenya president Bernard Wanjala said the reigning national champion as well as the two top active players in the January 1 rating list and the top junior will proceeded directly to the final phase.

The chief arbiter will arrange the pairings such that players of the same club cannot meet in the last three (3) rounds of the final phase.

In the women category, they include Gwen Jumba who won the women national championships, Cynthia Awino, the top junior, and Joyce Nyaruai who remains the top lady in 2018.

In the men section, new men champion Victor Ngani, Chege Kairu, Joseph Methu and Benjamin Magana — have also been given a pass to the final phase.

Women

Awinja Easter Judith, Abur Linda Amollo,  Mwikali Daphne,  Gosrani Naiya , Sasha Mongeli  Berita Ratemo, Francisca Kagwiria, Thuo Agnes Gathoni, Ngima Cheryl, Kawa Mable,  Madelta Glenda, Thitu Winfred ,Mutisya Julie, Kungu Ann, Muthoni Vivian,

Wanjiru Lucy, Anyango Edna, Wanjala Dorcus, Mwendwa Triza and  Kimwere Annete.

Men

Ben Nguku, Matthew Kamau, Jackson Kamau,  Atwoli Joseph , Sang Ricky, Mukabi John, Joseph Ngooro,  Hinga Githinji,  Philip Mbawala, Mwangi George,  Andiwoh Moses,  Kimani Kimingi,  Simiyu Amos,  Gisore Daniel,  Gohil Mehul,  Mukoko Isaac,  Sagwa Hillary,  Amatalo Moses Abasa Mwangi John Milton Kihara and Kuritto Douglas.