Fide Master Haruna Nsubuga is this close to achieving his dream. Having won his first two games at the Zonal Championships, the FM kept within the top positions.
Nsubuga, however, faltered in the 3rd round as he genuinely lost to Egyptian International Master Ameir Moheb to danger his chances of winning the event. That now is in the past because Nsubuga revived his hopes following his three subsequent victories.
The rated 2163 is now joint top with 5 points and is this close to winning the event. To do that however, the 25-year old must first overcome his next hurdle in Egyptian Grandmaster Essam El Gindy.
The 2016 National Chess League winner with Kireka faces El Gindy ranked No.8 in the continent in the seventh round, with both players tied on 5points.
El Gindy endangered Patrick Kawuma’s hopes of taking the crown after he beat him in the sixth round to rise on top, and now stands in the way of another Ugandan.
The two face off on board one on Friday evening.
Kawuma takes on Sudanese FM Nadir Samir in the seventh round on board two hoping to get back into contention. The duo sits joint second with 4.5points.
Joshua Katumba meets Ethiopia’s Candidate Master Adebo Muhaba Detamo on board five, and with 4 points to his name, the rated 1894 is on course to attain the CM title. Katumba needs just to avoid defeat against the Ethiopian and the title will be in his bag by the end of day’s business.
