As it’s become a norm lately, Uganda Chess Federation is set to organize a one-day tournament to celebrate it’s female players on their day.
The Queens of Chess Rapid Tournament returns with the fourth edition at Gloria Gardens in Namugongo, as UCF joins the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8th.
Over 53 players have confirmed participation! The participants include among others WFM Ivy Amoko who is regarded by many as the greatest chess player in East Africa, and her fellow Olympians WFM Goretti Angolikin, WFM Christine Namaganda and Joyce Kabengano.
The quartet dominated Ugandan chess in the past, but have been casual participants in local events in recent years.
Amoko, who is also the President of the Women in Chess Foundation, won the inaugural edition in 2021. Despite clinching the final spot for the Olympiad last weekend by a whisker at the Super 14, Amoko will enter the event as favourite.
Stiff competition awaits
She will however, be wary of the opposition especially the youngsters who she struggled against during the Super 14.
Namaganda – winner of the 2022 edition will also fancy her chances to reclaim the honours, but Safinah Mugide who is the defending champion will back herself too to retain the trophy.
Like it was last year, this edition is expected to be a cracker. The champion will walk away with UGX500,000 as prize money so there’s a lot at stake.
By press time, 53 players had confirmed participation. The participants include two of the five players (Amoko and WCM Shakira Ampaire) who over the weekend secured their slots for the Olympiad.
The other three including Sana Omprakash Kayyar and Patricia Kawuma, had not yet confirmed participation while Peninah Nakabo misses out as she has a big fish to fry.
Nakabo is enroute Ghana to represent the country at the African Games that get underway on Thursday.
Courtesy Photos
