In a gripping chess tournament held on a chilly Sunday afternoon at M.A Junior School in Kenya Re Estate, Kisumu County, Junior Christopher showcased exceptional skill to emerge as the M.A Junior Chess Champion.

Overcoming tough competition, Christopher achieved five wins with a tie-break score of 23 points, solidifying his top position in the boys’ category.

Fritz Finley and Norlan Pete also delivered impressive performances, each securing five wins with tie-break scores of 21.5 points. Their determination and tactical brilliance made the boys’ category highly competitive and set the stage for a promising future in chess.

The girls’ category was equally thrilling, with Meghan Hawi asserting dominance akin to her namesake, Meghan Markle. Hawi demonstrated strategic excellence to claim the top spot, followed by Jules Omari, an emerging talent who proved her potential in the competition.

National Chess Instructor Isaac Ondeng, who organized the event, emphasized the importance of the tournament as a preparatory platform for the Kisumu County Regional Tournament scheduled for February 23.

“We undertook this tournament to prepare the kids for the Regionals. There has been a lot to learn, and we plan to address the gaps as we move forward,” Ondeng said.

He also expressed gratitude to the school, parents, and participants for their dedication, stating, “If you want a school that nurtures your child’s talents alongside academics, think of M.A Junior School.”

The tournament, which was officiated by Chief Arbiter Jeff Otieno and Assistant Coach David Praise, served as a stepping stone for young chess enthusiasts, sharpening their skills and building their confidence for the upcoming regional challenge.

With such spirited performances, the future of chess at M.A Junior School looks bright.