Nigeria’s Chess Heights Monthly tournament series continues to captivate audiences nationwide, with the recent Chess Heights Oyo Monthly Tournament marking its 5th consecutive month of success.
Held on Saturday, May 4th, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the event showcased both seasoned players and fresh talent, including a groundbreaking debut from 9-year-old Adaora Nduji, the youngest and first female player to feature in this month’s competition.
In addition to Adaora, the tournament welcomed newcomers Badru Ariyo, aged 12, and adult players Hammed Adefila and Ogunniyi Olubunmi, alongside returning participants.
The event, organized by Chess Heights Foundation in collaboration with Gistcom Chess Academy, took place at their upcoming training center at the Lemmy House Business Complex, Molete-Challenge Road, Ibadan.
The tournament, overseen by Chess Arbiters of Nigeria member Mrs. T. Adejumo, featured eight participants of varying skill levels, engaging in seven rounds of Round-Robbins pairings with a time control of 20 minutes plus 10 seconds from the first move.
The culmination of the event saw a thrilling three-way tie for first place, with Soliu Hassan, Hammed Adefila, and Ogunniyi Olubunmi each securing 6 points, demonstrating their prowess and resilience on the board.
Additionally, young Adaora Nduji claimed the title of Best Female Player, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the Nigerian chess community, while Isah Usman clinched the Best Under 14 Player award.
The tournament not only provided a platform for players to showcase their skills but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and competition among participants and spectators alike.
With the success of the Chess Heights Oyo Monthly Tournament, anticipation builds for future editions, promising even more excitement and talent on display.
Chess Heights Lagos Monthly Concludes: Winners Emerge In Thrilling Chess Encounters
Meanwhile, in Lagos, the Chess Heights Lagos Monthly rapid chess tournament held at Jobady Hotel, Mende, Maryland, also delivered an electrifying display of strategic brilliance and fierce competition.
Organized by Chess Heights Foundation, the event attracted 42 players, including seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talents, who vied for top honors across six rounds of intense play.
The tournament, played in a Swiss format with a time control of 20 minutes plus increment of 10 seconds from move 1, showcased the depth of talent within Lagos’ chess community.
Notably, the Under Fourteen Category saw students from Platform School dominate the podium, with young prodigy Amir Obe emerging as the gold medalist, displaying remarkable skill and determination against more experienced opponents.
In the Ladies category, Ogechi Emmanuel emerged victorious, demonstrating her strategic prowess and resilience throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, in the highly competitive Open category, Teniola Abiola secured a well-deserved victory, claiming the championship title for the second time with a flawless performance.
With the conclusion of the Chess Heights Lagos Monthly tournament, the spotlight shines on the exceptional talent and sportsmanship displayed by Nigeria’s chess players.
As the chess community eagerly awaits the next installment of this prestigious event, the legacy of skill and camaraderie established by Chess Heights continues to thrive, inspiring players of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their passion for the game.
