Ovo Adagha, "Adegboyega, Opusunju Win Abuja 2003 Chess Trials," Vanguard, 31 March 2003 (Lagos, Nigeria).

ADEGBOYEGA Adegboyega, confirmed his class last Friday as one of the leading upcoming Chess players when he won the chess trials for the 8th All Africa games held at the Media Centre of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Playing brilliantly and solidly, he took clear first with an overall aggregate of 10 points in the 13 round Swiss event. Adebayo, a key member of the Nigerian team to the last Chess Olympiad held in Bled, Slovenia left no one in doubt about his intentions right from the early rounds. He however got his only setback in the 5th round when high riding Abiye Williams, defeated him with black pieces.

Olape Bunmi, seeded 4th took second position with an aggregate score of 9½ points, while Williams and Kighigha Bomo, both tied in the third position with 8½ points each. In the female category Opusunju Hannah, came tops with 9½ points. In second place was Edward Dappa Rachel who ended the tournament with an average score of 9 points. Omoragbon Doris came third with 8½ points.

The week long trials which is part of the Nigerian Chess Federation's preparations towards the 8th All Africa Games was applauded by both players and observers who termed it a "worthwhile mental exercise." Chairman of the federation Theophilus Caiphas, said that 10 players from each category will be called to camp in preparation for the Games. The players will be selected based on their past ratings and their present performance at the trials.

National Chess coach Fola Akintola, promised a good outing from the team at the games. Reacting to the players complaints on the strange 'Rapid Playing Pattern' adopted at the tournament Akintola stated that "the All Africa Games proper is a 'Rapid' event and what the players are doing now is what they are going to do at the games. We are going to select consistent players, those who are doing well."

Tournament arbiter Tayo Amisu, commended the players on their overall performance despite the difficulties they encountered with the 'Rapid' format.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 31 March 2003