International Master Arthur Ssegwanyi, is set for the biggest chess tournament in his career when he takes part in the Chess World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan from 10 September to 4 October.
Uganda Chess Federation received a boost when Turkish Airlines provided Ssegwanyi, a return ticket to take part in the most important tournament in his chess career.
This is a big boost to the federation considering that Arthur Ssegwanyi is the first East African to qualify to play at such a high profile event. He earned this slot after winning the Zone 4.2 Chess championship that was hosted in Kampala April, 2015.
The chess world cup representatives are usually drawn from continental and Zonal winners.
Arthur Ssegwanyi who is Uganda’s second International Master (IM) following his exploits in the Kampala Zonal championship is in buoyant mood ahead of his inaugural world cup.
He will be in for a Baptism of fire as he has been paired with a Dutch Grand Master, Anish Giri in the first round. GM Anish Giri is the fourth highest rated player at 2793, while IM Arthur Ssegwanyi is at 2357.
The World Cup will see Africa represented by six African players that include a Zambian, Nigerian and Four Egyptians.