James Madol Panchol clinches the 65th Nairobi Chess Club Championship title

by Kim Bhari · Published 04/09/2023 · Updated 04/09/2023

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James Madol Panchol clinches the 65th Nairobi Chess Club Championship title

James Madol Panchol showed incredible resilience to clinch the 65th Nairobi Chess Club Championship title with a perfect score of 4 points out of 4 rounds. This victory represents the second time he has won the flagship Nairobi Chess Club event. His last victory was during the 61st Nairobi Chess Club Championship held in August 2019.

The event was hosted at the Braeburn School, Gitanga Road on 19th and 20th August 2023.

James Madol Panchol (left) receives his trophy from event organiser Kim Bhari of Nairobi Chess Club. — James Madol Panchol (left) receives his trophy from event organiser Kim Bhari who is the Treasurer of Nairobi Chess Club. Photo credit Isaac Pelnino.

His victories came from defeating CM Lwanga Odongo, ACM Ezekiel Masiko of Uganda, CM Ramesh Vasanth and 2022 Kenya National Champion Mehul Gohil in the last and final 4th round.

WFM Uyanga Byambaa was second with 3.5 points to clinch a trophy and a KES 10,000 cash prize.

Mehul Gohil grabbed the third place with 3 points to go away with a glittering trophy and KES 3,750.

James Madol Panchol took home a cash prize of KES 20,000 (USD 150). His Rook sacrifice on move 31 in his game against Mehul Gohil was spectacular.

Hugh Misiko v Ashwina Haria-Skuse

In round one, Hugh Misiko faced one of England’s talented junior players, Ashwina Haria-Skuse, who has participated in various Nairobi Chess Club events in the past.

She has qualified for the Terrafinals of the Delancey UK School Challenge which takes place in October 2023 and is the largest junior chess tournament in the world.

Ashwina Haria-Skuse built an impenetrable fortress, and the game seemed to head for a draw before she blundered on move 45.

Position after 45. Be2 which was the incorrect move.

Ashwina Haria-Skuse in action. Photo credit Isaac Pelnino.

Hugh Misiko v Mehul Gohil – revenge match?

Another fascinating game was between Hugh Misiko and Mehul Gohil in round two. Readers will recall their titanic struggle during the 2022 Kenya National Chess Championship finals, where both fought tooth and nail to claim the Mazda Demio as the first prize. All eyes were on this game to see if Hugh Misiko could seek his cold revenge.

Hugh Misiko, with the white pieces, had, by move 32, built up a pleasant and straightforward advantage with two passed pawns. What could go wrong? However, it was clear that Misiko found the stress overwhelming and made several weak moves to allow Mehul Gohil to clinch a morale-boosting win.

Hugh Misiko (left) facing Mehul Gohil. Photo credit Kim Bhari.

Dr Victor Ng’ani v WFM Uyanga Byambaa – Swindle of the year!

The most dramatic game, however, in the event was the 4th and final round game between Dr Victor Ng’ani and visiting WFM Uyanga Byambaa from Mongolia. It was the last game of the evening with Dr. Victor Ng’ani in a far superior position, and it was only a matter of time before she resigned, which would have given Dr. Ngani enough points to grab some silverware.

WFM Uyanga Byambaa, in a last-ditch attempt, sacrificed her Rook, which Dr. Ngani took without even bothering to look carefully. A swindle led the game to a stalemate, leaving Dr Ng’ani in complete shock and WFM Byambaa in 2nd place with a cash prize of KES 10,000.

WFM Uyanga Byambaa seems crest fallen while Dr Victor Ng'ani seems so confident of victory! — WFM Uyanga Byambaa seems crest fallen while Dr Victor Ng’ani seems so confident of victory! Photo credit Kim Bhari.

After 62. Rxa3 Bxa3 - Dr Victor Ng'ni reacts in utter amazement that the game is drawn due to a stalemate! — After 62. Rxa3 Bxa3 – Dr Victor Ng’ni reacts in utter amazement that the game is drawn due to a stalemate! Photo credit Kim Bhari.

U1600 Section

Samuel Ndegwa Karuu was the proud winner of the U1600 Section with a perfect score of six points out of six rounds. He took home KES 7,500 for his efforts.

Top seed Eugene Okemwa was second with five points, while CM Reeyan Gosrani was third with the same number of points.

Sarthak Patnaik scored the same five points but missed the silverware as he was fourth in the standing.

With sixty participants, this section had a time control of 60 minutes.

Leonard Langat of Nairobi Chess Club presents Samuel Ndegwa Karuu with the trophy for winning the U1600 Section. — Leonard Langat (left) the Secretary of Nairobi Chess Club presents Samuel Ndegwa Karuu with the trophy for winning the U1600 Section. Photo credit Isaac Pelnino.

Michael Kiggs in action and looking sharp! Photo credit Kim Bhari.

U1400 Section

Pierre Hodel won this section with a maximum score of six points out of six rounds.

Angel Gilana Muthoni was the runner with 5 points, while Faraja Mumo Muli grabbed third place with five points.

This section, with forty-seven participants, had a time control of 60 minutes.

Karan Christie of Nairobi Chess Club (left) presents Pierre Hodel the prize for winning the U1400 Section. — Karan Christie (left) a committee member & Resident Coach of Nairobi Chess Club presents Pierre Hodel the prize for winning the U1400 Section while Event Organiser Kim Bhari looks on. Photo credit Isaac Pelnino.

Prize winners of the U1400 Section and U1600 Section pose for a group photo with officials from Nairobi Chess Club. Photo credit Isaac Pelnino.

Ayra Mushila in action in the U1400 Section. Photo credit Kim Bhari.

Sponsors

James Kirimi, Rodgers Adai, Peter Gilruth, Larry Khaduli, Terence Chazima, Uyanga Byambaa and Ben Nguku sponsored this iconic event.

Braeburn School, once again, came out in full support of the event by providing the spacious hall on a gratis basis to the Nairobi Chess Club who organised the event.