By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
After a superlative display of talents by chess players from across the 19 Northern states in the second Northern States Open Chess Championship that started on February 9, 2022 and ended at the weekend in Kaduna, winners have emerged from the various categories and went home with mouth watering cash prizes.
In the open section, Fuenshak Othman emerged winner, while Ikechukwu Ezeanya claimed the prize for runner-up, with Magomya Robert taking the third position.
In the blitz section, Keyi Lucky emerge winner, while Magomya Robert came runner-up with Olayinka Takeet coming third.
Precious Olurun Funsho emerged the best female player in the championship.
In the U-15 male category, Praise Ola emerged winner, while Damian Joshua came runner-up, while Adima Eli Ankala came third.
For the U-15 Female category, Dayo Shalom came first, while Deborah Yakubu was runner-up with Faith Ola picking the third position.
All the winners in all of the categories went home with medals, trophies and cash prizes.
Speaking shortly after the closing ceremony and presentation of prizes, the Chess Federation of Nigeria President Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Sani Mohammed (rtd) congratulated all the winners.
He said, chess game under his leadership will give priority to developing the game from the grassroot.
The President commended the sponsor of the championship Alhaji Ademola Alli, a board member and North West Zonal Represented while urging other zonal Representatives to organize similar competitions in their various zones.
DIG Mohammed promised to give five chess boards and a chess clock each to all the 9 schools that participated in the championship as a way of encouraging the game of chess in schools.
