A brand new car for the young champion

Text and photos: Chess Kenya

CM Robert Mclingeyo and WFM Master Sasha Mongeli emerged as the champions of the 2024 Kenya National Chess Championship (KNCC) held in the Makini School, Nairobi.

The winner of the open section, 18-year-old CM Robert Mcligeyo, was awarded a brand-new Nissan Note worth Sh1.8 million (approximately $14,000) by the Chess Kenya Federation. Representing KCB Chess Club, Mcligeyo delivered a remarkable performance, clinching the title with 8 points. He edged out his closest rival and teammate, Jackson Ndegwa, who finished with 7½ points.

Master Class Vol.13 - Tigran Petrosian

Considered a master of prophylaxis, Petrosian sensed dangers long before they actually became acute on the board. In his prime, Petrosian was almost invincible. Let our authors introduce you into the world of Tigran Petrosian.

Mcligeyo's ascent to the summit of Kenyan chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, he dethroned his former coach and defending champion, Joseph Methu. His victories included wins against strong opponents such as Shem Aberi (1738), Hadem Nyamiaka (1785), Felix Boera (1891), Brian Kadenge (1843), CM Aguda Lwanga (1845), and Methu (1976). He also held his ground with draws against Hillary Sagwa (1854) and Allan Chumba (1832).

Robert had this to say about his final-round game:

I had been completely out of a winning position and I think the nerves got the better of me and I blundered and I think I was completely lost but then got a sudden surge of energy and I was able to push through and eventually win.

A new car for the 18-year-old champion

This marks the fifth consecutive year Chess Kenya has awarded the national champion a car, a tradition that has inspired many junior players.

Benard Wanjala, Chess Kenya President, said:

Our goal is to use sport to impact lives and give youth an option of succeeding through chess. Next year we will have two cars for open and women section. 

Final standings - Open

...192 players

Mongeli defends her title

In the women’s section, WFM Sasha Mongeli successfully defended her title, claiming a cash prize of Sh100, 000 (approximately $775) for her efforts. The ladies' event was highly competitive, with four players tying for first place with a score of 7/9. Sasha secured the championship based on the second tiebreaker—achieving the highest number of victories.

Master Class Vol.16 - Judit Polgar

In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Judit Polgar. Let them show you which openings Polgar chose to play, where her strength in middlegames were, or how she outplayed her opponents in the endgame.

Sasha shared:

I kicked off the tournament with a bad start after losing my second-round game. I was so devastated, but I thank God for enabling me to reach here by emerging as the winner.

Final standings - Women's

...73 players

Links

• Chess Kenya
• GM David Smerdon explores the chess scene in Kenya