Murara Wins Rwanda Chess Open
Julius Mbaraga
6 April 2010
Kigali — EXPERIENCE came into play as Maxence Murara beat a strong field of 12 players to claim the Rwanda Chess Open at Ninzi hotel.
En route to claiming the prestigious event, the five-time Olympiad drew with Thickson Rutaremara before beating Godfrey Kabera-Rwanda’s top rated player on the World Chess Federation (FIDE) ranking -1949.
Although Murara was elated at winning the tournament, it was the competitiveness that impressed him most.
“I’m excited about the win but it is the high level of competitiveness at the tournament that has thrilled me most. You could clearly see that guys are playing better chess now. There are no more straight forward wins,” Murara, who also doubles as the vice president of the national chess federation (Ferwade) said.
“There are a number of young players coming through which is good of the development of the game.”
Kabera finished runner-up while pace setter Rutaremara was third. Nigerian Solomon Gai was fourth with Daniel Sangi completing the top five.
This year’s event was sponsored by Ninzi hotel and Mimosa restaurant.
Rwanda Chess Open
Final standings
M. Murara 4.5
G. Kabera 4
T. Rutaremara 3.5
S. Gai 3
Source: http://allafrica.com
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