Kenya’s chess scene witnessed a standout performance this past weekend, as 13-year-old Elizabeth Cassidy, representing the KCB Chess Team, emerged as the best player in the ladies’ category at the Mombasa Open International Chess Tournament. Held at Light International School in Nyali, Mombasa, the tournament attracted top chess talents from across East Africa, including players from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Cassidy, playing in one of her first major tournaments, registered 5 points and tied for the top spot with seasoned competitor and Fide Master Joyce Nyaruai, another KCB Chess Team member. This remarkable feat at such a young age is a testament to Cassidy’s growing prowess in the game, positioning her as a rising star in Kenyan chess.
After the event, Joyce Nyaruai praised the young prodigy’s impact on the team, saying: “This win is about the investment KCB has made in its team. The recent addition of Cassidy injected new energy into the squad, and the results speak for themselves. I faced a tough fixture against Julie Mutisya from Equity Bank in the sixth round, but I’m thrilled that KCB continues to prove it’s a chess force to be reckoned with.”
The tournament was highly competitive, featuring over 350 players competing in various categories, including the open section, ladies category, juniors, U17 rated players, and the Group category, which had teams from universities, corporates, and schools.
The tournament’s open section winner took home a KSh 50,000 cash prize, while Cassidy’s victory in the ladies’ category earned her KSh 20,000. The U17 and juniors’ categories saw winners pocket KSh 20,000 and trophies, respectively. The corporate category brought fierce competition, with Equity Bank emerging victorious after accumulating 13 points, beating KCB who finished second with 10 points. NCBA finished in third place with 6 points.
In the open section, teenage sensation Brian Irungu and fast-rising star Robert Mcligeyo tied for second place with 5 points each, each receiving KSh 30,000 for their efforts.
Cassidy’s success at the Mombasa Open highlights the immense potential in Kenya’s young chess talents. KCB’s commitment to nurturing chess talent was evident in their strong showing, with a team of 10 players representing the bank.
The KCB Chess Team will now set their sights on the FIDE-rated Nairobi County Chess Championship, slated for next weekend at the WADI Degla Club in Runda, Nairobi. With Cassidy and Nyaruai leading the charge, KCB will be looking to build on their Mombasa performance and continue their dominance in Kenyan chess.
