The maiden edition of the Edo Chess Classic has recorded a successful outing, attracting 85 participants across three categories, as the organisers called on corporate organisations, government agencies and well-meaning individuals to support the development of grassroots chess in Edo State.
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.
Speaking after the tournament, 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 also noted that bringing schoolchildren together to participate in the game had not been an easy task, but stressed that the initiative was driven by the desire to discover and nurture chess talents from the grassroots.
According to her, the tournament was designed to provide young players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, develop their skills and compete with their peers.
Mrs Omoragbon expressed appreciation to her partners, Aidia Sports, as well as parents and guardians who encouraged their children to participate in the competition.
She also commended Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Grassroots Sports, for his contributions towards the success of the event.
The organisers disclosed that the tournament did not have an official sponsor but 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.
They expressed gratitude to the benefactors, participants and everyone who contributed to making the competition a success.
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.
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.
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.
All the winners received cash prizes in line with the prize structure announced ahead of the competition.
The organisers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and urged individuals, corporate bodies and relevant government institutions to invest in grassroots chess development, noting that sustained sponsorship would help identify, train and nurture young talents capable of representing Edo State and Nigeria at higher levels of competitions.
