KE: Inter Universities Chess Championship 2011 (KUSA Games) – Results

Text: Ben Magana
Photos: Kim Bhari

Over the past weekend, Paul Maloba and I organized the inter-universities chess event at Ruaraka, Nairobi. The spectacle was well-attended, with 9 entrants in the men’s section and 7 in the women’s section.

University students battle it out over the chess board

In the men’s event, favourites KU were pipped by UoN towards the end, while giant-killers Moi overtook Strathmore at the death. In the ladies section, ‘unknown’ Daystar cruised to victory, leaving KU and UoN gasping in their wake. Apparently their ladies team is trained by one Christie Karan, the best performer on board 4 for the men’s section.

Things heating up on the chess board

Revelations in the tourney were very many, and so, contrary to pervasive popular opinion, chess in Kenya is not dead. Congrats to all participants!

Final Team Standings – Men’s Section

Patrick Muchiri (left) from Kimathi University thinking hard

1. University of Nairobi – 13 match points (out of 16)
2. Kenyatta University – 12 points (24.5 game points)
3. Moi University – 12 points (24 game points)
4. Strathmore University – 12 points (21 game points)
5. Kenya Polytechnic – 8 points
6. Kimathi University – 7 points
7. Daystar University – 6 points
8. Catholic University – 0 points
9. Kenya Methodist University – 0 points

Final Team Standings – Ladies’ Section

Players from Daystar University and University of Nairobi plan their next moves

1. Daystar University – 10 match points (out of 12)
2. Kenyatta University – 9 points
3. University of Nairobi – 9 points
4. Moi University – 8 points
5. Catholic University – 3 points
6. Kenya Methodist University – 3 points
7. Kenya Polytechnic – 0 points

Board Results – Men

Board 1

1. James Muchai (UoN) – 7/8
2. Patrick Muchiri (Kimathi) – 6/8
3. Victor Hongo (KU) – 5.5/8

Board 2

1. Kut Bullen (Moi) – 7/8
2. Paul Waweru (KU) – 6/8
3. Ian Odhaimbo (Strathmore) – 5/8
4. Elvis Cheruiyot (UoN) – 5/8
5. Armon Sein (Poly) – 5/8

Board 3

1. Owen Odhiambo (Moi) – 8/8
2. Njuru Mwangi (Strathmore) – 7/8
3. Austin Walela (KU) – 5/7

Board 4

1. Karan Christie (Daystar) – 7/8
2. Kamau Kingora (UoN) – 7/8
3. Andrew Owili (KU) – 6/7

Board Results – Ladies

Board 1

1. Rahab Wangui (Daystar) – 6/6
2. Christabelle Kinyua (Moi) – 5/6

Board 2

1. Cindy Ndeda (UoN) – 6/6
2. Wangui Wahome (Daystar) – 5/6

Board 3

1. Irene Odhiambo (KU) – 5/6
2. Maiyo Cheruto (Moi) – 5/6

Board 4

1. Daphne Mukairi (KU) – 5/6
2. Kate Matathia (UoN) – 5/6