Winners emerge at Plateau, Benue Chess Heights tourney

The August edition of the Chess Heights Plateau State was a tournament of keen battles as players’ ratings were used to determine two of the four categories.

Some of the most talented chess players across the North Central converged on the scenic Elims Bubbles Off Golf Course in Mai-Adiko, Rayfield, Jos for the event.

Ezeadireje Kingsley emerged as the champion of the open category with five points, securing the victory based on his superior rating, after he was tied with Joseph Gyang Weng and Yakubu Arenye.

In the female category, Rejoice Ishaya and Naomi Musa both finished with 3.5 points but Ishaya clinched the first position due to her higher FIDE rating.

In the U-14 category, David Peter took the first position with a solid 4.5 points, while Dagyeng Pannan came in second with four points. The third place was shared by Udoh Joethan and Elvis Manasa, both finishing with two points.

The U-10 category was also very competitive as the youngest participants, Afolabi David and Afolabi Daniel, both tied for first place with three points each.

In Makurdi,  defending champion, Matthew Otache, retained his title at the Chess Heights Benue Monthly tournament.Winners emerge at Plateau, Benue Chess Heights tourney

The star-studded lineup, included Abyem Afa and Egwumah James, who represented Team Jigawa at the last National Sports Festival in Delta State. Also in attendance was Khalid Ahmed, a member of the Kaduna State chess team. The competition was further spiced up by the participation of Obekpa Charles, a FIDE-rated player with a rating above 2000.

After rounds of matches, Otache emerged victorious, while Abyem Afa secured the second position. Ahmed claimed the third spot.

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