International Master Arthur Ssegwanyi and FM Haruna Nsubuga owned Day 3 of the Kireka Open Chess Championships as they both arose to the top of the table.
The two giants saw off their respective opponents in both the fifth and sixth rounds to set up a date amongst themselves in the penultimate round.
Ssegwanyi after defeating Anyuat Mabior in the fifth round met Simon Gonza in the sixth round. Gonza had entered the round as the table leader, but he was walloped by a man who intends to defend the crown he has won four times.
On the other side, Nsubuga overcame his biggest obstacle thus far in IM Elijah Emojong in the sixth round after he’d seen off Bonny Namangala.
The two will now meet on Sunday in the penultimate round in what is expected to be a nail-biting game.
Gonza has been pitted against veteran FM Bob Bibasa while Emojong will face Abuk Agoot.
The ladies’ section was no different in terms of altering leadership. WFM Gloria Nansubuga ascended atop after beating both Milly Takali and WCM Maria Nakanyike.
Nansubuga currently shares the top position with Sana Omprakash Kayyar who downed both Patricia Kawuma, the early leader and Penninah Nakabo, the defending champion.
In tomorrow’s opening round, Nansubuga will go head to head with Nakabo while Omprakash will face Mary Kevin Ndagire on board one.
Kawuma has a date with Stella Babirye in the same round on board six while Nakanyike will take on Sarah Nakalyowa on board three.
