Jia Rajesh wins silver at Africa School Chess Championships
Jia Rajesh Hiranandani. She won a silver medal during the Africa School Chess Championships in Limpopo, South Africa, at the weekend. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
A member of Nairobi Chess Academy and Club, Hirandani was the only Kenyan who took part in the weeklong tournament.
Her coach Stephen Ouma, who was impressed by Hirandani’s performance, tipped her to post even better results in future.
Jia Rajesh Hiranandani won a silver medal during the Africa School Chess Championships held in Limpopo at the weekend.
The Oshwal Academy student collected seven points out of a possible nine to finish behind the winner Gabatsgwarwe Refilwe from Botswana who bagged eight points.
Following her good performance, Hiranandani becomes a Women Candidate Master (WCM).
A member of Nairobi Chess Academy and Club, Hirandani was the only Kenyan who took part in the weeklong tournament.
COACH IMPRESSED
Her coach Stephen Ouma, who was impressed by Hirandani’s performance, tipped her to post even better results in future.
“She worked very hard as she prepared for the tournament and I am not surprised that she did very well. She played amazing chess and we expect her to do even better next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chess Kenya will send three players to this month’s Africa Junior tournament in Entebbe, Uganda.
TOP PLAYERS
The three are Chege Kairu, James Kabue and Cynthia Awino. The three emerged the top players at the just concluded national chess championships at Parklands Sports Club, Nairobi. More than 20 countries are expected to take part in the continental junior event.
