Ouma, Andiwoh to coach Chess teams for Olympiad

Fide Master (FM) Steve Ouma and Moses Andiwoh will coach the national men’s and women’s chess teams that will represent the country at the 2016 World Chess Olympiad set for Baku, Azerbaijan in September.

The two were selected at the weekend after they attained the highest marks in an interview conducted by the Interim Chess Kenya at the KCB Sports Club.

The two will be in charge of preparing the squad of 10 players (five men and five women) for the world event as Kenya looks for an improved performance after dismal performances in previous events.

“I think the challenge ahead is challenging but we are up to the task. The players that have been selected are talented and we aim to do well in Baku,” Andiwoh told Daily Nation Sport on Tuesday.

The final phase of Olympiad qualifiers came to an end on Sunday evening with nine players securing their place in the national team after two weekends of a grueling nine-round chess action that featured the top 20 players in the country.

In the open section, former national champion, CM Ben Magana topped the list after finishing with 7.5 points out of a possible nine.

The KCB Chess Club captain was followed in second place by Joseph Methu - who finished on six points and will debut at the Olympiads. Defending national champion CM Kenneth Omollo also made the list after finishing in third place ahead of Jackson Ndegwa and Mehul Gohil.

The women’s list will also have one new name after Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Joyce Nyaruai topped the women’s event ahead of WCM Purity Maina. Gloria Jumba and WCM Jane Wambugu will also be on the plane to Baku.

Women’s national champion WFM Riya Shah earned a direct slot to the team after she finished top of the pile during the Grand Prix qualifying events.
Kenya finished in position 149 out of 177 during the 41st Olympiad held in Tromso, Norway in August 2014.