Overview:
Across the varying age categories, it has been spirited performances for the youngsters, with crucial take-homes from this continental event which is marking its 15th edition.
There are plenty of positives for the Uganda junior chess players during the ongoing 2024 Africa Youth Chess Championship at Kopanong Hotel and Conference center in Johannesburg city, South Africa.
Across the varying age categories, it has been spirited performances for the youngsters, with crucial take-homes from this continental event which is marking its 15th edition.
After the opening six rounds, there has been grueling action and the climax is tense albeit calculative.
Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Sana Omprakash Kayyar, one of the girls in the U-18 cluster has a sure medal prospect having fetched 5.5 points thus far.
WCM Sana has so far won 5 games, drawn and lost once apiece.
The trio of Ryann Kyla Nakijjoba (4 points), Reigner Namakula (3.5 points) and Hannah Zion Mawejje (3 points) are also in the U-18 group.
The team coaches Mathias Ssonko and Walter Okas are impressed thus far with hopes for a podium finish for some of the players.
“We have put up a gallant fight and our players are doing the best they can. There are chances for a podium finish with God on our side in the remaining two rounds” Ssonko notes.
U-16:
Zuri Tatiina (4.5 points) and Mitchelle Nicolatte Mikisa (2.5) are in the U-16 girls category.
U-14:
Elizabeth Saasi and Aimee Nyatia Ahumuza each collected 3 points apiece in the U-14 cluster.
U-14 Open:
Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar (4 points), Manzi Munankye (3 points) and Omara Samora (2.5 points) featured in the U-14 open pool.
U-12 Girls:
Suhana Anil Yadav (4 points) and Aine Atubet (3 points) are in the U-12 girls category.
U-12 Open:
Alpesh Hirani Kiyan (4 points) and Jason Samuel Kimuli Walusimbi (3 points) played in the U-12 open section.
U-10 Girls:
Talia Atubet (4.5 points) is the leading player in the U-10 girls category among the Ugandan crop of players.
Nina Eliana Atukunda and Jireh Nicole Walusimbi Nakaweesa each have 2.5 points whilst Garikapati Srivalli has managed 1.5 points.
