International Chess Master, Elijah Emojong, Fide Master Harold Wanyama, Patrick Kawuma (CM), Arthur Ssegwanyi, Harunah Nsubuga and Walter Okas are all joint top with 2 points in the rated chess category after the opening day two rounds of the Rwabushenyi Chess Tourney being played at Katonga Hall, Hotel Africana in Kampala.
The competition is so stiff and going by the swiss format of play, the 2219 world’s rated Wanyama will now face the 2339 rated Emojong on board 1 while Okas will battle Kawuma on board before Nsubuga faces Ssegwanyi in the round of 3 games to be played on day two early morning.
In some of the highlights of the second round, Emojong beat a hard fighting 2001 National former junior champion, Faruku Fauzia in a grueling match that last for close to 3 hours while Wanyama over came another hard fighter in Daniel Bangadde.
In round one, Fauzia had scored his maiden point with a win over Mubiru Kizito, Wanyama beat Givan Amunge, Bob Bibasa beat Joseph Kanaabi while Patrick Kawuma smiled with a win over Moses Andiwoh.
Like the men, the ladies category are also facing a stiff challenge after just two rounds. Four players, Ivy Amoko, Stellah Babirye, Phiona Mutesi and Christine Namaganda have 2 points apiece after 2 rounds.
There is a chance to have a run away leader as the top guns face off in round three. Amoko will battle Babirye while Mutesi is facing a hard nut to crack Namaganda.
In the open category, Hassan Mulembe is on course for a clean sweep whose eventual winner will pocket 500,000 and a trophy.
There is also action in the Under age categories of below the 12 year old’s, 14’s and 16.
The tournament that has attracted close to 200 players from across the region will run for eight rounds as it will be played over the 4 day’s action in which lots of cash prizes are at stake for the different category winners.
Cash prizes and Awards to Different Winners:
FIDE Rated section (Open category)
1st 1,200,000/= + Trophy
2nd 600,000/= + Trophy
3rd 300,000/= + Trophy
4th 200,000/=
5th 100,000/=
FIDE Rated section (Ladies)
1st 600,000/= +Trophy
2nd 400,000/= + Trophy
3rd 200,000/= + Trophy
Open Section for unrated players only
1st 500,000/= + Trophy
2nd 200,000/= + Trophy
Under 12 Boys – Trophy
Under 12 Girls – Trophy
