(Press release courtesy of Uganda Chess Federation)
The only Ugandan based FIDE Master, Elijah Emojong, who is also the 2011 USPA Chess Player of the Year suffered an early upset in the second round at the hands of a merciless Daniel Baagadde in the Mulago Open Chess Championship that got underway today (Friday, 17th February 2012) at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Rubaga.
FM Elijah Emojong (right) taking on Daniel Baagadde in the second round of the Mulago Open Chess Championship
Meanwhile, Olympians Patrick Kawuma, Bob Bibasa, and Harold Wanyama are enjoying an early lead and are joined by Rajab Kamoga, Simon Gonza and youngster Richard Kato on 2 points after 2 games.
To get to two points Wanyama beat Wilson Mugwanya; Bibasa beat Mudathir Bukenya; Kamoga beat Richard Tugume; Kawuma beat Vianney Luggya and Kato beat Innocent Kimera.
Olympian Bob Bibasa (left) takes on a youngster in the second round of the Mulago Chess Championship
5 more rounds are to be played with two games on Saturday, 18th February and three games on Sunday, 19th February 2012 ahead of the closing ceremony to be held at 7 pm.
In the ladies category, Olympian Phiona Mutesi is in a joint lead with Christine Namaganda (2011 best player in the National Chess League) at 2 points each followed by Goretti Angolikin and Cathy Kenyange at 1.5 points each.
A total of 55 participants are taking part in the event sponsored by Mulago Chess Club led by Dr. George Zirembuzi.
In the Men’s category, the winner will bag UGX 200,000/-, second 150,000/- and third 70,000/- while in the ladies category, the winner wil get 150,000/-, second 70,000/- and third 50,000/-.
There will also be an Annual General Meeting to be held on Saturday at 3.30 pm at the same venue.