East African Chess Masters Clash in Mombasa – Photo credit – Elias Cheruiyot

The coastal city of Mombasa hosted a thrilling chess tournament, bringing together top players from across East Africa. The Uganda team, led by Harold Wanyama, who has had numerous victories in Kenya, was among the strong contenders. Wanyama was joined by other notable Ugandan players, including Nyola Wasswa, Mathias Ssonko, Emmanuel Egesa, and Abdul Shakuru Wagodo.

A Star-Studded Field

The tournament featured a star-studded lineup, with South Sudan’s Gong Thon Gong leading the charge. The competition was fierce, with players vying for top spots in various categories, including the open, ladies, U1700, and juniors.

Exciting Matches

One of the most anticipated matches was between Peter Majur of South Sudan and Harold Wanyama of Uganda in Round 5. Majur’s powerful play proved too much for Wanyama, who succumbed to defeat. However, Wanyama rebounded by holding Wagodo to a draw in the next round.

Tournament Winners

In the end, Peter Majur emerged as the sole winner of the event after Nyola Wasswa held him to a draw. The ladies’ section was won by Kimani Wanjiru, who defeated Awuor in the final round. The junior categories saw impressive performances, with Prince Mussolini dominating the U18 category with a perfect 6/6 score.

Impressive Display

The tournament was well-organized, with a high level of competition and excellent arbitrage. Hosted at Lighthouse International School, the event showcased the power and skill of East Africa’s top chess players. Below are some stunning games from the tournament¹.