(Press release courtesy of Uganda Chess Federation)
Olympians Patrick Kawuma and Harold Wanyama have maintained a joint lead at the top at the ongoing Mulago Open Chess Championship with 5.5 points apiece out of 6 games played with a round to spare.
In the sixth round played on the afternoon of Sunday, 19th February 2012, Wanyama beat fellow Olympian Bob Bibasa while Kawuma beat ex Olympian Geofrey Kanduho to each get to 5.5 points.
Earlier on Kawuma beat Alex Sebuufu, Vianney Luggya, Bibasa, Simon Gonza and drew with his joint leader Wanyama.
On his part, Wanyama had earlier beaten Wilson Mugwanya, Ivan Opuye, Mukumbya Benjamin and Kamoga Rajab. His only draw is against Kawuma.
Closely following the leaders is 18 year old youngster Benjamin Mukumbya at 5 points and Rajab Kamoga at 4.5 points.
The biggest surprise in the event is FIDE Master Elijah Emojong who is trailing at 3 points. Emojong has struggled against less fancied opposition and drew with David Muwanguzi in the sixth round.
In the ladies category, Christine Namaganda beat Gorretti Angolikin to get to 6 points out of 6 games played and is on course to win the event with only one round left. Second placed Olympian Phiona Mutesi beat Cathy Kenyange in the sixth round to get to 5 points. Kenyange is trailing in third position with 3.5 points.