(Article courtesy of Uganda Chess Federation)
15 year old Benjamin Mukumbya is leading the field with five straight wins out of five games played so far in the 2011 National Junior Chess Championship that ends today (14 May 2011) at Hotel Africana.
15 year old Benjamin Mukumbya contemplating a move in the second round at Hotel Africana.
To get to the top, Mukumya beat Richard Buyinza, Derrick Nyombi, Martin Musiime, Brian Mugabi and Richard Tugume. In the sixth round he was taking on his closest challenger Ivan Mutesasira who was on four points. A FIDE official who played a friendly game against Mukumbya in Southern Sudan in 2009 described him as an International Master in the making.
Also on four points is defending champion Samuel Mayanja who was earlier upset by Martin Musiime.
The other surprise result is that of Haruna Nsubuga who is currently on four points. Nsubuga who regularly plays in the senior events was beaten by Richard Tugume in an earlier round. The other surprise is David Muwanguzi who is only on 3 points out of five games having been silenced by a hitherto unknown Joel Emojong. Muwanguzi is a regular contender in the National Chess League and other tournaments featuring senior players. His conqueror, Joel Emojong is the younger brother to East Africa Chess Champion, Elija Emojong.
A total of 8 rounds are to be played in the Under 20 junior chess championship that ends later in the evening. The winner of the event will represent Uganda at the next Africa Junior Chess Championship.