Mombasa Open 2023

Chess action moved to the pristine coastal city of Mombasa over the Mashujaa Day weekend. The games were spread over three days 20th, 21st and 22nd at the Mombasa Beach Hotel.

The tournament was played in various categories which included Open, Ladies and Juniors. The juniors tournament took place on Saturday 21st October 2023.

The junior section was divided into 4 categories which were under 8, under 10, under 12 and under 14. Most of the older juniors opted to play in the stronger Open section.

The tournament’s junior section went well and winners were awarded trophies while the runner ups received medals. All participants were also given certificates of participation. The best primary school was given a trophy.

In the under 8 category, Simon Wesley of Busy Bee School and Aaliyah McKenzie of Mavens Chess Club were crowned the boys and girls winners respectively.

Keyshawn Elmer of Lighthouse Chess Club and Mihika Shah of Oshwal Academy Mombasa emerged the boys and girls champions respectively in the under 10 category. The under 12 boys champion was Andre Kibue while Staisy Chebet won the girl’s category. Both winners for under 12 are pupils of KBA School.

KBA School’s Victor Mwangi and Angel Mercy were the winners in the under 14 category. The impressive performances of KBA School led them to take home the title of the best school in the juniors section.

Other notable schools that were represented included Coast Academy, Oshwal Academy, Braeburn Mombasa, Aga Khan Academy, MM Shah MV Shah Primary, Busy Bee School, Olivine School and Light International Academy.

The participants had a lot of fun and look forward to the next Mombasa Open tournament as they work on their skills for better performances next time.