The 2023 Mombasa Open Chess Championship ended in a disappointing manner for Ugandans.
Ugandans had a great start to the annual event, majority sailing in their opening three rounds, but by the end of it all, not a podium finish was secured by a Ugandan.
FM Harold Wanyama, the highest ranked player in the competition finished seventh, the best position managed by a Ugandan.
Allan Mathias Ssonko who led the standings in the first three rounds came a disappointing 15th.
Triumph landed on Peter Majur Manyanga from South Sudan. It was the first time, a player other than a Kenyan or Ugandan was winning the Mombasa Open.
In the Ladies section, WCM Joyce Nyaruai defended the title she won last year.
Sheba Valentine Naisanga was the best placed Ugandan in this section. She came ninth with four points.
Ugandans have in the past years made Mombasa a perfect hunting ground, but with this loss, it is now two straight years without a victory for a Ugandan, and now just one triumph in five years.
Since 2018, only FM Haruna Nsubuga has been able to win the Mombasa Open. That happened in 2021.
Courtesy Photos
