Nigeria: Chess Trails – Olape, Adebayo Dominate Final Stage

Femi Solaja

10 June 2011

International Master, Bunmi Olape and Adegboyega Adebayo are leading the pack of top masters in the final stage of the All-Africa Games Chess Trials as they dictate the pace with 2.5 points each as at the end of round three Thursday afternoon.

The duo, who are veterans of several World Chess Olympiad now have 2.5 points after three rounds of play in the male section, but other top masters in the category are closing up the gap in the rapid event that will end Saturday.

Olape, who is the latest International Master title-holder in the country, cut Bomo Kigigha to size in the white side of Sicilian defence (Najdorf variation). The opening section was flawless until move 9 when the loser transposed the opening to old variation of Najdorf to lose bearing with further development in the course of the game.

The winner captured a piece following constant pressure on the King’s side and brought the game to a ruthless conclusion on move 23 when another major piece was about to fall.

Joint winner of the first stage, Olamide Ajibowo is also in line to make the final list has 2 points alongside Bayo Babalola, Tosin Akinwamide, Benjamin Omorere, Emmanuel Maduagwuna and Inimo Kigigha.

In other matches Thursday night, Sony Eyenghe battled Adebayo to a useful draw just as Charles Campbell and Ajibowo drew too while Frederick Fabeyo defeated Martin Odum in the same round.

Ajibola Olanrewaju won his game against Rotimi Dashaolu while Omorere defeated Rowland Dieyi and Emmanuel Maduagwuna defeated Emuakpeje Ochuko.

In the female category, Funmilayo Akinola, Chinyere Igwenyere, Mardhyya Abdulsalam, Rosemary Ilawagbon and Yetunde Odumade all have one point each in round robin tournament that will produce four qualifiers from the nine players.

The four are to join eight others already qualified for the final camping programme of All-Africa Games.

AllAfrica – All the Time