Equity Bank triumphantly clinched the Chess Premier League title, defeating their long-standing rivals, KCB, 3-2 in a thrilling weekend match.
Already holding a comfortable five-point lead over second-placed Mavens Tacticians Chess Club, the final match against KCB held little significance for the overall standings but provided a dramatic finish to the season.
KCB’s imported reinforcement, Ugandan Fide Master Harold Wanyama, succumbed to the tactical prowess of Equity’s young talent, Gabriel Wangombe. However, the biggest upset came courtesy of 14-year-old Equity prodigy Kyle Kuka, who delivered a resounding victory against reigning National Champion Joseph Methu of KCB, securing the title for Equity.
Equity dominated the 17-team Premier League, accumulating 45 points, followed by Mavens Tacticians Chess Club with 40 points and Lighthouse Alpha Chess Club with 39. Former champions KCB finished a distant fourth after losses to Equity and Mavens. This marks Equity’s fifth title since joining the league in 2013.
Newly promoted Mavens Chess Club impressed with a second-place finish, including a notable victory against KCB. Their strong performance was bolstered by the addition of South Sudanese players John Thong and Panchol Madol. As league champions, Equity will represent Kenya at the World Rapids Chess Championship 2025, organized by the World Chess Federation.
In the Super League, University of Nairobi claimed gold with 61 points, tied with Mavens Chess Club, while Tricky Anchors secured third place with 60 points. Daystar University emerged as the top university team in the Super League, while University of Nairobi held that honor in the Premier League title.
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