(Press release courtesy of Uganda Chess Federation)
Olympian Harold Wanyama is the Rwabushenyi Memorial Chess Champion after winning a play off to shake off opposition from Bob Bibasa and Arthur Ssegwanyi. The Blitz play off followed a tie between the three players at 7.5 points.
Civil Aviation Authority's Manager Marketing and Commercial Services, tom Davis Wasswa (right) and Mrs. J. Rwabushenyi (centre) crowning the 2011 Rwabushenyi Memorial Chess Champion, Harold Wanyama
Bibasa finished in second position and National Chess Champion, Ssegwanyi in third. The three players scooped cash prizes and trophies courtesy of sponsors, Civil Aviation Authority. For their efforts, Wanyama walked off with Ugandan Shillings 700,000/-, Bibasa with 300,000/- and Ssegwanyi with 150,000/-.
In fourth position was ex Olympian Kenneth Kakooza with 7 points and he got 50,000/=. Kakooza tied with Kenya’s Githinji Hinga but edged the Kenyan with a better tie break.
In the tournament, Wanyama beat Grace Nsubuga, Kenneth Kakooza, Daniel Baagadde, Kenya’s Githinji Hinga, Walter Okas and Albert Otete among others. He lost to Ssegwanyi and drew with Bob Bibasa.
CAA injected Ugandan Shillings 8,500,000/- in the event for the third year running. The event is held in memory of the late Cyril Rwabushenyi, a former Uganda Chess Federation Chairman and also formerly a Director with CAA.