DMark Power a new entrant in the national chess league caused a storm in the opening day of action at Hotel Africana last weekend when they beat Mulago Queens 4.5-1.5 and against Uganda Chess Academy 3-2.
The new entrants started off with two wins in the first two rounds against Mulago Queens 4.5-1.5 and against Uganda Chess Academy (UCA) 3-2. Power is led by national champion, Arthur Ssegwanyi who beat UCA’s Walter Okas and FM Elijah EMojong who beat Emmanuel Mwaka to get to second position with 7.5 points.
On their part, Mulago Kings started off from where they stopped last year whipping newcomers Lweza Kings 5-0 and Mulago Queens 4-1 to get to the summit with 9 points. In the Kings – Queens game, Harold Wanyama, CM Patrick Kawuma, Grace Nsubuga, and Farouk Fauza beat Queens’ Goretti Angolikin, Grace Kigeni, Phiona Mutesi and Rita Nsubuga while Queens’ Damalie Natembo pulled one back by beating Helen Namusisi.
Third placed Aviation Chess Club was inspired by the return to competitive action of East Africa’s highest rated Eng. FM Andrew Naimanye and FM Stephen Kisuze to win two games against Makerere University 3.5-1.5 and against Makindye Chess Club 3.5-1.5.
In the Aviation – Makindye game, Aviation’s FM Naimanye drew with MUK’s Ivan Meri as Vianney Luggya, Peter Maguzi and Joan Nakimuli beat MUK’s Douglas Wasswa, Edmund Wagido and Rose Amule respectively. MUK’s Richard Talemwa pulled one back after beating Aviation’s Patrick Ojok.
The other new teams, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) drew with Kireka 2.5-2.5 and beat UCU 4-1 while Entebbe Knightmare Chess Club led by a Kenyan Mike Kinuthia beat Mengo 3-2 and Mulago Pawns 3-2.
Mengo beat Bank of Uganda Chess Club 3-2, as Barclays Bank Chess Club were waylaid by Mulago Knights losing 0-4.
Last year’s runners up City Chess Club still reeling from the loss of their inspirational Haruna Nsubuga to MUBS were held to a 2.5 – 2.5 draw by Mulago Rooks.
The third round of the National Chess League will be played on Sunday 10th June 2012 at Hotel Africana with some interesting games featuring leaders Mulago Kings against Uganda Chess Academy and second placed DMARK up for a tough challenge against City Chess Club.