The 5th Edition of the Rwabushenyi Memorial Chess Tournament came to a climax on Sunday January 18 at the St. Charles Lwanga Hall Rubaga Kampala with Fide Master (FM) Harold Wanyama emerging winner in the Men’s Category while Gloria Nasubunga emerged winner in the Ladies Category.
Wanyama tied with International Master Elijah Emojong and Harunah Nsubunga on Seven points apiece after an eight round action packed four day event that began on Thursday.
“Wanyama was declared winner after a better tie break. Nsubuga’s tie break could have been affected with a bye in one of the rounds against Ssegwanyi and an early loss to inferior opposition” Tournament Director and Uganda Chess Federation President Vianney Luggya said.
“Having three players with seven points a piece is a clear indication that the tournament has been very competitive” Vianney added.
Wanyama’s resounding victory came after beating Makumbi Deo, Muluya Sadati, Elijah Emojong, Mukasa Patrick, Lubega Solomon, Ssali Julius and Farouk Fauza. His only loss was to Haruna Nsubuga.
Wanyama’s success earned him a trophy and a cash prize of one million two hundred thousand shillings from event sponsors, Civil Aviation Authority.
“The level of Competition was very stiff. Finishing on a 7 out of 10 points’ tie with three players was phenomenal. I credit the healthy competition and this shows that the game is growing” Wanyama told Kawowo sport’s Isabirye David.
Finishing in second position on a tie break was International Master Elijah Emojong, he walked off with shillings 600,0000/- and a trophy.
Third placed Nsubuga won himself 300,000/- and a trophy too. Different cash prizes were awarded to other top performers up to the 8th position.
The other prize winners were Solomon Lubega in fourth position with 6.5 points, Emmanuel Mwaka in fifth position with 6 points, Daniel Bagaadde with 6 points in seventh and Ex Olympian Shadrack Kantinti with 6 points in eighth position.
Nasubunga’s success earned her a trophy and a cash prize of Shs 700,000.
“I am very excited about the victory. I prepared well for this championship and thanks to be God for the win” thirteen year old Nasubunga remarked.
Nansubuga beat Woman Fide Master (WFM) and the reigning USPA Chess player of 2014 Ivy Amoko, Robina Namwanje, Esther Nakitende, Jacinta Nantume, Joan Nakimuli, Rhoda Namuswe and Olympian Goretti Angolikin.
Nansubuga’s only loss came at the hands of Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Phiona Mutesi.
Wilson Serujongi clinched the under 15 boys category trophy. John Kyobe and Abbey Mukiibi also got trophies after finishing in second and third position respectively.
Grace Musisiwaza scooped the under-15 girls top prize with 5 points, Gloria Nakiwala finished second with 4.5 points while Lydia Nakato finished in third position respectively.
Six trophies were awarded to the under-15 and under -10 categories
All the 171 participants received branded T-shirts from Tournament sponsor Civil Aviation Authority.
Mean while USPA Chess player of the year Arthur Ssegwanyi left a miserable man after a dismal start in the tournament. He didn’t make it to the Top ten.
