The maiden edition of the Edo Chess Classic has recorded a successful outing, attracting 85 participants across three categories. The one-day tournament, organised by Brainy Brain Chess Foundation in partnership with Aidia Sports, featured competitions in the Under-10, Under-14 and Open categories. The competition was played over six rounds, with each game featuring a time control of 25 minutes plus a five-second increment. This initiative aimed to discover and nurture chess talents from the grassroots.
The Chairman of Brainy Brain Chess Foundation, Mrs Omoragbon Doris, identified inadequate sponsorship as one of the major challenges confronting the organisation in its efforts to promote chess among young people. She noted that bringing schoolchildren together to participate in the game had not been an easy task. The initiative was driven by the desire to provide young players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, develop their skills and compete with their peers.
The tournament received financial and material support from a few individuals and organisations, including Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Mr Henry Onovhaka and Mrs Ogbewekon of Standard Life Organisation. The organisers expressed gratitude to the benefactors, participants and everyone who contributed to making the competition a success. Mrs Omoragbon expressed appreciation to her partners, Aidia Sports, as well as parents and guardians who encouraged their children to participate in the competition.
In the Open Category of the tournament, three players emerged joint first-place finishers after recording 5.5 points each. They were Idara Emmanuel, Kingsley Osayande and Omoruyi Sandra. The winners received cash prizes in line with the prize structure announced ahead of the competition. This outcome reflected the competitive nature of the tournament.
In the Under-10 category, Onovwaka Dafe Henry emerged first with 3.5 points, while Ifedioha Gabriel finished second with three points. Aimuanmwosa Omoragbon and Alien Ahaze Dominick also recorded three points to finish third and fourth respectively. The Under-10 category showcased young talents with potential for growth.
In the Under-14 category, Obiosa Shedrack emerged champion with five points, while Onovwaka Hilarion Sajimi and Onovwaka Henry Irikefe finished second and third respectively, with four points each. The organisers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and urged individuals, corporate bodies and relevant government institutions to invest in grassroots chess development.
The organisers noted that sustained sponsorship would help identify, train and nurture young talents capable of representing Edo State and Nigeria at higher levels of competitions. They called on corporate organisations, government agencies and well-meaning individuals to support the development of grassroots chess in Edo State. The success of the Edo Chess Classic highlights the potential for chess development in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Edo Chess Classic attracted 85 players across three categories, showcasing young talents and potential for growth.
- The tournament received support from individuals and organisations, but organisers are seeking sustained sponsorship for grassroots development.
- The competition featured a prize structure, with winners receiving cash prizes for their achievements.
