Koko breaks the deadlock!
Perpetual 3rd place Koko finally silenced his critics. Yes! He proved beyond all reasonable doubt that being 2nd runner-up in 3 occasions is by no means a fluke.
It was an exciting Saturday as the state’s chess association held its general meeting with its weekend speed -chess championship as a cap-up for the day’s activities. This event witnessed the best chess players all over Bayelsa state slog it out at the Sampson Siasia stadium Ovom-Yenagoa, the state’s capital.
Obele Koko “father of the double knights” as he is fondly called, smashed through the guts of all who came his way today to hang unto the top spot in this weekend’s speed lane contest. He is the true master of speed -chess for the next 7days especially after defeating last week’s champion (Kigigha Bomo) in the 1st round of the days 7rounds Swiss event with an impressive 6 wins out of 7 games.
Kigigha Bomo, 1st runner-up and our last week champion who fell to the maneuverings of the Double knights of Koko held onto winning ways up to the last round only to give way for the champion on tie- break due to the round1 lose with an outstanding performance of 6wins out of 7games.
2nd runner-up is no other than one player whose ways are like that of the masters. You just don’t see his moves coming until your king is in a dilemma. Though tied on points with 5wins out of 7games with our highly esteemed state monthly champion Inimo, clinched on a better tiebreaker having put the champion to the sword in the penultimate rounds. His name is Miedo Denenu and he’s got his eyes on the crown!
Once again, no under- 15 even amongst the consoled. Yes, it is a tough field but common! Magnus Carlsen became a grandmaster at age 13, and today he is the reigning world champion. More is expected from our juniors. But that being as it may, it is worth noting that Kere Alagoa who was absent last week stopped Marvellous Innocent on the track to reclaim his rightful best junior male position while 8yr old Deborah held unto the best junior female for a record time.
The Monthly championship is scheduled for next Saturday the 5th of September 2020. An increase in the number of participants is highly expected by the organizers considering what played out in the previous event as stated by the Caretaker committee, who in their response to our reporters promised to improve on the prizes and also categorizing the participants. This will in-turn encourage new players who would love to try out a few tricks but will prefer such skills NOT to be tested on the likes of Koko.
BYSCA REPORTING…..
