National chess team of 10 players unveiled after final trials

Chess Kenya have unveiled a national team of 10 players for the 45th World Chess Olympiad from September 10-23 in Budapest, Hungary.

The 10, five for each gender, were identified during a two-week national trials. The first phase of the selection was held on December 9-11 with the second phase taking place last weekend.

CK president Bernard Wanjala explained the selection criteria, stating: “Each player is required to attend two stages of the  three-phase national championships.”

The women’s team comprises former national champion Sasha Mwongeli, Candidate Master Joyce Nyaruai, Glenda Madelta, Jully Mutisya and Nicole Albright.

Robert Mcligeyo, Martin Njoroge, Ian Mutage, Mathew Kamau, and Elvis Kioko form the men’s squad.

Despite skipping the initial selection phase, Mwongeli was impressive in the women’s category with 7.5 points from 11 rounds.

The top two players, alongside the national champion and the best Under-18 player, made the national team, leaving three positions up for grabs.

However, national champion Joseph Methu failed to make the team after finishing sixth. The team is preparing for the All African Games in Accra, Ghana, and the Kenya Open set for March 28 to April 1.

Wanjala hinted at the possibility of collaborating with Uganda in growing the game.

“We have our eyes on Uganda since they boost of more resources,”he concluded.