(Article courtesy of Uganda Chess Federation)
Burundi’s Deudone Muheto is enjoying an early joint lead with Uganda’s Olympians Harold Wanyama, Shadrack Kantinti, Zabasajja Memorial winner Simon Gonza, Farouk Fauza and former junior champion Arthur Segwanyi all at two points after the first two rounds being played at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The event runs from 22nd -25th April 2011.
Gonza escaped to eke out an undeserved win against former UCF President Joe Kaamu in a tightly contested second round game. Earlier, Wanyama, Kantinti and Fauza had made light work of their opponents Davis Apuuli, Philip Kabagambe and Mathias Sonko respectively.
Olympian Bob Bibasa is on one and a half points out of two after an early upset in the first round in which he drew with Jeffrey Kikabi.
Defending champion Patrick Kawuma was the biggest victim of the first day after losing a tight Dutch Defense game to Segwanyi.
At the time of filing the report, Rwabushenyi Memorial winner Elija Emojong was still embroiled in a tight middle game in which he had the white pieces against former Olympian Emma Mwaka who took him on in a Nimzo Indian variation.
In the Ladies category former Rwabushenyi Memorial winner Christine Namaganda is leading the field with two points alongside Butindo Joan Kawuma at two points. Namaganda beat Olympian Rita Nsubuga and Amanda Kyokusiima. Goretti Angolikin is on one and a half points after drawing with Olympain Grace Kigeni in the second round.
The event drew a total of 54 participants. Perennial contenders Kenya, who had earlier been expected conveyed regrets after failure to make the trip. In their absence, Burundi’s Muheto is providing the much needed excitement with rare tactical manouvers as evidenced from his second round game against Katula.
Notable spectators in the crowd included former UCF Presidents, Daniel Nsibambi and Jack Mucunguzi.