Following the conclusion of the Zabasajja Memorial Open Chess Championship, all is set for the final showdown of the 2024 Chess Olympiad Qualifier.
The Zabasajja brought an end to the five Grand Prix events that constituted the first phase of the Qualifiers. Now with it done and dusted, focus has shifted to the Super 14, the last phase of the Qualifiers.
The Super 14 will pawn off on 10th February and it will feature players that finished in the top twelve positions on the Grand Prix standings, the national junior champion and a wild card entrant.
They include Fide Master Haruna Nsubuga who topped the Grand Prix standings, FM Harold Wanyama, Rajab Kamoga, IM Elijah Emojong, FM Bob Bibasa, CM Emmanuel Egesa, FM Patrick Kawuma, Norman Magino, Abdul Shakur Wagodo, IM Arthur Ssegwanyi, Richard Kato and Mark Nyola Wasswa as well as Mathew Mwase (the national junior champion) and CM Emmanuel Musaasizi the wild card holder.
The 14 will battle for the top five positions as only five will constitute the national team that will represent the country in the upcoming international events that include the Olympiad that will be held in Budapest, Hungary and the BRICS Games that will take place in Kazan, Russia.
More at stake and Women’s Category
Aside from making the national team, there’s a land title up for grabs for the person who prevails as the champion.
The event promises to be a thrilling one as it will feature only the very best. There’s a lot to fight for and neither Nsubuga – the Grand Prix winner nor Ssegwanyi – the top ranked player in the region is guaranteed a top five finish.
The Super 14 in the Women’s category will feature Sana Omprakash Kayyar, Patricia Kawuma, Peninah Nakabo, WCM Shakira Ampaire, Milly Takali, Mary Kevin Ndagire, Safinah Mugide, WFM Gloria Nansubuga, WCM Maria Nakanyike, Sheeba Valentine Naisanga, Sarah Nakalyowa, Tatiina Zuri, Caroline Nabirye ( Silver medalist in the National Juniors) and the greatest of them all, WFM Ivy Amoko who takes up the Wild card.
Like the men, the ladies will also be fighting for the top five positions as they seek to make the team for the aforementioned international events.
Courtesy Photos
