Uganda’s Elijah Emojong has drawn his eighth round game against Egypt’s FIDE Master Yousry Salah (rated 2297).
On the other hand, Emojong’s main challenger to the Zone 4.2 Africa Chess Championship crown, Egypt’s IM Shoker Samy won his game against fellow Egyptian Hasan Sayed Barakat.
Emojong’s lead at the top of the standings is now reduced from one point to half a point. The Ugandan has led the event since round 2.
This now sets up a titanic clash in the ninth and final round in which the Ugandan plays with The White pieces against his rival for the Championship IM Samy Shoker in a winner takes it all bout set for Tuesday 7 May 2013.
A draw in that game will hand the crown to Emojong while a loss will mean that Shoker wins it. Emojong has 7.5 points out of 8 while Shoker has 7 out of 8.
The Ugandan has so far put in an almost flawless display, winning 7 and drawing one in 8 games played so far.
Winning the event will not only grant him the much coveted International Master title but also the right to participate in the World Chess Cup set for August in Norway with lots of cash at stake for mere participation.