A total of 16 players took part in the maiden edition of Chess Height Tournament in Ondo State to promote the game in the state.
The event was organised by Chess Height Events, whose Director, Akinkunmi Afolabi, said that it was put together to help foster unity and promote the game.
The chess is a board game of strategic skill for two players, played on a chequered board in which each playing piece is moved according to precise rules.
Subsequently, the object is to put the opponent’s king under a direct attack from which escape is impossible (checkmate).
Afolabi added that the event was also put together to put the state back on the country’s map as far as the game of chess was concerned.
He noted that the players travelled from far and near to participate in the tournament, saying that newly-discovered talents also participated in the tournament.
Akinleye Akinseye, a former Coach of Ondo State Chess Association, said that the competition would boost the game of chess in the state.
He said the competition was also a avenue for training for talented players who, he added were readily available in the state, ahead of events like the National Sports Festival.
“The tournament will boost the game of chess by creating awareness and training opportunities for the raw talents that we already have in the state.
“This is also to prepare them (talents) towards national events like the National Sports Festival coming up this year in Edo State,’’ he said.
Mosadoluwa Oni emerged the winner of the tournament with 5.5 points, while Famous Akposcame came second, with 4.5 points, with Funmilayo Feyikemi coming third.
There was also a prize for the best performing female chess player, which went to Oluwabukola Fakilede. (NAN)
