Ssegwanyi eyes African title
21 Jul 2016 Marion Malinga
Following his notable start to the African Individual Chess Championship, Uganda’s International Master Arthur Ssegwanyi has his sights set on the title.
Having collected three points out of the possible four after beating fellow East Africans James Madol Panchol and Simon Gonza, and Algeria’s Talbi Chafik, the Olympian remains the only local player with realistic chances of lifting the title no Ugandan has managed before.
“To win the tournament is my target” was his response when asked about his realistic goal in this tourney.
However, having already fallen prey to one of the Egyptians, Ssegwanyi is aware the North Africans are a threat to his ambition.
“The Egyptians are overwhelming favourites unfortunately,” he said. “They won’t stumble that easily but I will try to win all my games,” Ssegwanyi who’s looking to become Uganda’s first Grand Master added.
While the Egyptian Grand Masters are a major concern for the number one seed in Uganda, a potential stumbling block awaits the 28year old on Thursday.
With the Zambian FM Andrew Kayonde his next opponent, Ssegwanyi is facing one of the strongest figures at the event who coming into this game sits above the IM on a tiebreak.
Much as Ssegwanyi believes he is capable of beating the Zambian in the fifth round, the Olympian knows he’s up against one of the self driven individuals which makes it a tough game.
“Kayonde is super motivated and focused. It will be a difficult encounter but it’s winnable.”
A win against Kayonde will see Ssegwanyi go level on points with the Egyptian trio of Shoker Samy, El Gindy Essam and Adly Ahmed if, they all draw.
The three are tied on 3.5 points but with Samy leading the log on a tiebreak2.
Algeria’s Arab Adlane, Kayonde and Ssegwanyi complete the top six. The three are also tied on 3 points.