Equity emerged triumphant in the Corporate Category at the prestigious 7th Le Pelley Tournament, held over the weekend at the Nairobi Gymkhana Club. The tournament, a highlight on the East African chess calendar, attracted over 200 players from across the region.
Adding to Equity’s success, new recruit Lenny Mataiga secured a commendable 2nd runner-up position in the highly competitive Elite Category. The Elite Category saw James Panchol of South Sudan claim the top spot, followed by Peter Gilruth of the Nairobi Chess Club in second place.
Defending champion Brian Mwangi of Equity faced an early setback, succumbing to Adai Rodgers in the opening game and ultimately unable to recover in the four-game series.
Tournament favorite Mehul Gohil of the Nairobi Chess Club also experienced an unexpected challenge, falling to a strategic masterclass by Equity’s Moses Andiwoh, who secured a decisive victory against the former National Champion.
At the closing ceremony, event organizer Kim Bhari congratulated the winners and encouraged emerging players to dedicate themselves to continuous improvement.
“Peter Le Pelley was a brilliant chess strategist, and he would have been proud of the high level of play exhibited in this tournament,” Bhari remarked.
“Today’s players have the advantage of AI tools to aid their development. By consistently playing quality games, they can significantly enhance their chess prowess.”
Lenny Mataiga expressed his delight at his podium finish, stating, “This is my debut tournament as a member of the Equity Team, and this victory is a promising sign of things to come. To finish among the top players in such a competitive and talented field is incredibly motivating, and I aspire to achieve even greater results in the future.”
Captain Njagi Kabugu added, “The exceptional standard of play demonstrated here reflects the dedication and preparation of all the players. The Corporate Champion title is a highly sought-after prize, and we are honored to have achieved this accomplishment. We are committed to delivering our best and maintaining this winning momentum.”
The Le Pelley Tournament, held in memory of the esteemed lawyer and chess enthusiast Peter Le Pelley, was hosted by the Nairobi Chess Club, Kenya’s oldest chess club, established in 1958.
This victory further solidifies the Equity Chess team’s reputation as a formidable force as they now focus on defending their title for the second consecutive year in the upcoming national league.