Скачать или смотреть 2026 NATIONAL JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Woman International Master (WIM) Sana Kayyar Omprakash made a blistering start to the National Junior Chess Championships, leading the ladies’ category after a perfect run of six wins from six games.

The reigning African Youth Champion preserved her unbeaten record in round six after defeating second-placed Zuri Tatiina, keeping her firm at the top of the standings. Sana now faces her toughest test of the tournament later today against Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Juliet Asaba, who sits second with 5.5 points.

Both players recently returned from the African Youth Chess Championships in Zimbabwe, where Asaba claimed silver while Sana secured gold. Victory for Sana would seal the national junior title in the ladies’ category, while a win for Asaba would push the championship battle to the final round.

Elsewhere in the ladies’ section, Nyatia Ahumuza faces Asiimwe Olivia, while Hailey Michelle takes on Nakatudde Macklin. All four players are tied on five points and remain in contention for a podium finish.

In the open category, Arthur Mwase stunned Alvin Muhiirwa on board one to maintain a perfect record in the championship. The defeat dropped Muhiirwa to third place on five points with two rounds remaining, leaving him in a must-win situation against Edmund Lwanga in round seven. Mwase, meanwhile, faces Innocent Baguma in a top-of-the-table clash.

A tightly contested open section sees 12 players tied on five points, all with a chance of reaching the podium with wins in their remaining fixtures.

Event organiser Sanya Derrick described this year’s championship as highly competitive, noting a marked improvement in the standard of play among Uganda’s youth.

“We have seen amateur players defeating national team players in this tournament, and to us that is very good for the competition,” Sanya said.

Winners in both the ladies’ and open categories will represent Uganda at the forthcoming African Youth Chess Championships in May, as well as other continental and international events. The tournament has attracted over 300 players from across the country.