Despite failing to send a team to Egypt for the African Chess Club Championships that commenced yesterday, Uganda is represented.
International Masters Elijah Emojong and Arthur Ssegwanyi are in Cairo carrying the country’s flag high. The duo plies their trade in Kenya with Equity, and together with the entire Equity team, journeyed on Sunday to take part in the championships.
Equity opened the event with a 3.5:0.5 victory over Egyptian side Alkhadar Baida in the first round. In a game that East Africa’s No.1 seed Ssegwanyi received a bye, Emojong; on board two eased past unrated Fauz Aborijah.
Equity had Kenneth Omolo beat Mohammed Aborezika while Kenyan FM Steven Ouma Sijenyi drew against Mustafa Mohammed Mahgub hence the result.
While Equity relished their beginning, their rivals back home Kenya Chess Club [KCB] endured a poor start.
KCB undeniably missed the services of FM Harold Wanyama whose traveling has been hindered by his failure to secure a visa.
The side lost 3-1 to Egyptian side Easter Company [A], with Kenya’s No.2 seed and Candidate Master Benjamin Magana losing to IM Mohammed Ezat on board one.
KCB sit fifth in the table standings while Equity are joint top with Alhawar and Eastern Company [B].
The two sides return to board later today, with Equity versing Khaled Ben Walid, while KCB will meet Alhawar in the second round.
