Fide Master Harold Wanyama had the last laugh at the Kenya Open Chess Championship that ended today in Nairobi, Kenya following his timely recovery.
Wanyama who won this tournament last year started the event poorly drawing against Ghanaian Arena International Master Wilson Onuoha in the second round and losing to Jamie Obora Kanango in the round that followed.
It was a start that kept him miles away from the big dogs, and one that denied him an opportunity to play against the Grandmasters something he was looking forward to.
But Wanyama had a surge from the fourth round, and he went on a winning spree of six rounds that ensured he finished the event placed fifth with seven and half points. He, by doing so, won a cash prize of UGX 7million.
“My only regret was not facing the GMs,” a jubilant Wanyama told The Sports Nation. “I started quite badly with 1.5/3 but I was able to gather myself together and win the remaining 6. Iam extremely happy with my performance.”
International Master Arthur Ssegwanyi is the other only Ugandan that finished in the prize bracket. Ssegwanyi came ninth with 7 points and walks home with $400.
GM Gareyev Timur from the USA came out the outright winner of the event with eight and half points. He pockets $7000 as the prize money.
In the Women section, Three Ugandans including Peninah Nakabo, Sana Omprakash and Shakira Ampaire finished in the top ten. The three as well walk away with cash prizes.
Woman Grandmaster Joseline Heinemann from Germany won the trophy in the Women section with 9 points. The German was too good for anyone’s liking as she won all her games.
