Elijah Emojong wins Kawuma Chess Open

ELIJAH EMOJONG REIGNS SUPREME AT KAWUMA CHESS OPEN
January 12, 2015
Written by David Isabirye
Published in Chess

Chess International Master (IM) Elijah Emojong clinched the second edition of the Kawuma open at Hotel Africana on Sunday.

Emojong tallied 6.5 points out of a possible 7 to dethrone a strong field that included Fide Master (FM) Harold Wanyama, defending champion Arthur Ssegwanyi, Chess Master (CM), Patrick Kawuma among others. In an interview, the Jinja based chess rookie told Kawowo Sports:

I am happy to win because all the players were prepared mentally. It was composure that guided me to this victory. I am now looking forward the biggest event on the chess calendar (Rwabushenyi memorial).

Fide Master (FM) Harold Wanyama finished second with 6 points, jointly tying with Chess Master (CM) Patrick Kawuma and Walter Okas in third and fourth after an inferior tie break.

Kenya’s Moses Andiwoh finished in tenth position with 5 points as the other Kenyan at the event Givan Amunga finished in fourteenth position with 5 points as well.

How Emojong Won:

Emojong beat Lwebuga Ronald, Solomon Lubega, Ayebazibwe Emmanuel, Daniel Bagadde, Harold Wanyama, Bob Bibasa and drew with Arthur Ssegwanyi.

Ssegwanyi who was one of the early pace setters crumpled in the last round at the hands of his nemesis Wanyama and ended up in fifth position with 5.5 points.

Women:

Stella Babirye, fresh from the Africa Junior Chess Championship in Saurimo, Angola, finished top of all ladies with 6.5 points out of 7 to take the top honors.
Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Phiona Mutesi came second (but with same points as the winner).

Olympian Grace Kigeni in third position with 5 points.

Under Age Events:

Wilson Serunjogi finished with a maximum 7 out of 7 points to win the U-15 catergory.
Denis Mukule took the first runners up slot with 5.5 points and Sharif Senabulya tallied 5 points to finish runners up.

The Under 15 Girls was won by Lydia Nakato with 4 points followed by Angel Naluggya with 3 points.

Joshua Ssemanda won the boys Under 10 years age category with 4 points.

Uganda Chess Federation president, Vianney Luggya hailed the huge turn up of the season opening event on the calendar.

I am impressed by the massive turn up. Chess remains to be among Uganda’s fast growing indoor games. Lets keep focused as we embark on the 2015 season.

Prizes:

On top of several trophies for the various winners, cash to a total of U.shs 2.5M was given out to the winners in varying proportions.

The next event on the calendar is the Rwabushenyi Memorial Chess Championship (from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th January 2015) at Hotel Africana.

It will also feature all the categories including Ladies, Open, Under 15 and Under 10 years with lots of prizes and trophies to be won.