James Panchol clinches 15th Capablanca Cup

by Kim Bhari · 23/02/2025

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James Panchol clinches 15th Capablanca Cup

James Panchol emerged as the triumphant winner of the 15th Capablanca Cup by scoring 3 points out of 4 rounds in an event organised by the Nairobi Chess Club. He took home the top cash prize of KES 25,000 (USD 200).

Lenny Mataiga, Peter Gilruth, and Christian Mugambi tied for second place with 2.5 points each, sharing the cash prize of KES 20,000.

The final round game between Lenny Mataiga and James Panchol was a nail-biter. Lenny had James on the ropes, and it seemed like victory was within his grasp. However, a critical move at the 29th turn saw Lenny’s nerves fail him, and James, showing incredible resilience, turned the game in his favour, ultimately winning the tournament.

There is a famous quote for such kinds of games that Lenny put up on his social media post.

“I was completely winning. If I don’t kill myself tonight, I’m gonna live a thousand years” ~ Ivan Sokolov, Tata Steel 2013.

Quote by Lenny – “That’s exactly how it feels to lose such. Panchol played incredible chess in the endgame”.

With his victory in this event, James Panchol is assured of a special chapter when the history of the Nairobi Chess Club is published. He has won eight club events over the past seven years!

The Elite Section was a battleground for eight participants, each vying for the top honours in a display of intense competition.

James Panchol (right) receives his trophy from Nairobi Chess Club's Secretary Leonard Langat. — James Panchol (right) receives his trophy from Nairobi Chess Club’s Secretary Leonard Langat. Photo credit Kim Bhari.

The decisive round four game against James Panchol (left) and Lenny Mataiga who has less than two minutes on his clock. Photo credit Kim Bhari.

U1800 Section

Ezekiel Karani was the winner of the U1800 Section with 3.5 points out of four rounds. He won a cash prize of KES 15,000 and a trophy. After winning the 6th Le Pelley Cup – U1800 Section in 2024, it was his second trophy from a Nairobi Chess Club event event.

Peter Kyalo, Chrispinus Wanjiru and Cyprian Bwire were joint second with three points each to equally share the cash prize of KES 7,500. On the other hand, Peter Kyalo had a superior tie-break amongst the three to take home his first silverware that was on offer.

This section had a total of 17 participants.

Winners from the U1800 Section - standing from left Ezekiel Karani (winner), Chrispinus Wanjiru (3rd place), Peter Kyalo (2nd place), Cyprian Bwire (4th place) and James Pancholl winner of the Elite Section. Photo credit Kim Bhari. — Winners from the U1800 Section – standing from left Ezekiel Karani (winner), Chrispinus Wanjiru (3rd place), Peter Kyalo (2nd place), Cyprian Bwire (4th place) and James Pancholl winner of the Elite Section. Photo credit Kim Bhari.

U1600 Section

Bella Nashipae stunned friends and foe with her decisive victory in this section. She scored a perfect four points out of four rounds and went home with a trophy and KES 7,500.

Trevor Muchoki took second place with 3.5 points, while Bernice Gikandi took third with three points.

This section had a total of 21 players.

Winners of the U1600 Section Bella Nashipae (1st place), Trevor Muchoki (2nd) and Bernice Gikandi (3rd place). Photo credit Kim Bhari.

U1500 Section

Evans Lmelita Oloishuro, on the other hand, won the U1500 Section, a six-round event with a perfect score of six points, winning a trophy and a cash prize of KES 5,000. What was interesting to note is that this was his first OTB event!

Dylan Maina won the second slot with five points, while Ian Chege was third with five points as well.

This hotly contested Section saw 66 participants battle it out for the cash prize, three trophies, and medals for each age category.