Haruna Nsubuga, a perennial contender who has always finished close to the leaders has finally won silverware after emerging victorious in the Zabasajja Memorial Chess Championship that ended at Pope Paul Hotel in Rubaga on Sunday 24 March 2013.
To win the sixth edition of the event, Nsubuga was unbeaten after 8 rounds and notched 7.5 points to beat defending champion Fide Master Harold Wanyama by half a point. Nsubuga was runner up to Arthur Ssegwanyi in last year’s National Chess Championship and narrowly missed out on a chance to represent Uganda at the World Chess Olympiad.
To win Zabasajja Memorial Rapid Chess Championship, Nsubuga put in a flawless display to beat Jordan Teeba, Francis Agongede, Rajab Kamoga, Joseph Kaamu, Geoffrey Kanduho, Daniel Baagadde, Olympian Bob Bibasa and only drew with Fide Master, Harold Wanyama.
UCF Treasurer, Augustine Lwanga finished in a surprising third position with 6 points followed by Daniel Baagadde and another official Stephen Kisuze at the same number of points. Lwanga however edged the two with a better tie break.
Olympian Goretti Angolikin rose to the occasion winning with 6.5 points out of possible 8 in the ladies’ catergory. She was followed by Christine Namaganda and Ivy Amoko at 6 and 5 points respectively. Fast rising Joy Kabengano, Grace Kigeni and Sharon Atwongyeire also finished with 5 points each but Amoko beat them with a slightly better tie break.
Atwongyeire was the revelation in the ladies category. She has fast risen to the top ever since she started participating in the National Chess League last year.
The event was sponsored by Eng. Andrew Naimanye in memory of legendary Willy Zabasajja. A total of 65 participants participated in the event including 14 ladies.
Top men:
1. Haruna Nsubuga. 7.5 points
2. Harold Wanyama. 7 points
3. Augustine Lwanga. 6 points
4. Daniel Baagadde. 6 points
5. Stephen Kisuze. 6 points
6. Amos Etoru Malcolm. 5.5 points
7. Mike Akabu. 5.5 points
Top Ladies:
1. Goretti Angolikin. 6.5 points
2. Christine Namaganda 6 points
3. Amoko Ivy. 5 points
4. Joy Kabengano. 5 points
5. Grace Kigeni. 5
6. Sharon Atwongyeire. 5
