DMARK got the quest for their fifth consecutive National Chess League title off to an emphatic start with a 5-0 win over Makerere University in the first round of the season at Hotel Africana.
Despite missing the services of IM Arthur Ssegwanyi and Walter Okas, the defending champions started brilliantly with 100% victory from five boards.
And albeit losing board 4 that had Caxton Kalule, wins from FM Patrick Kawuma, Bob Bibasa the national team coach and Stellah Nabasita granted them victory over SOM academy in the second round.
Meanwhile, Christine Namaganda played a starring role as City Chess Club began the bid to win the title they narrowly missed two seasons ago with wins over Mulago Knights and Mulago Kings.
Namaganda won both her games beating Mulago Knights’ Carol Nabachwa and Mulago Kings’ Joan Nakimuli in the first and second round respectively.
With their four points, City were the only team not to lose a game in any of the boards.
Last season’s second runners up Kireka also started the season on a good note with wins over SOM and Kyambogo University and although Harold Wanyama lost his first game to SOM’s Benjamin Mukumbya, it mattered less.
City composed of Rajab Kamoga, Farouk Fauza, Daniel Baagade, Aaron Kanabi and Christine Namaganda lead the division after two rounds.
Aviation, DMARK, Kireka and Mulago Kings complete the top five.
The league resumes on 26th June at Hotel Africana.
