Adu sets sights on Trinidad, UAE
International Master Oladapo Adu nixed plans to compete in Tripoli, Libya in the African Championship, but has a busy schedule which includes competing in the Caribbean Chess Carnival in Port of Spain, Trinidad from August 4th-9th. This event is hosted by the Trinidad Chess Foundation and organized by Edison Raphael.
Adu will then compete in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This tournament is sponsored by Sheikh Hammed and will no doubt boast excellent conditions. The U.S.-based Nigerian national will then travel to Lagos, Nigeria for vacation. Adu recently came off a successful World Open with 6/9 in the under-2400 section. All the best!
Apparently Adu is not in Libya!
Good luck to ol “dappys”. We know dappys to be a hard working chess master and that is the way to do it if you want to rise to the top.
I just spoke with Adu (dappys). He said the run around for the Libyan visa and the slow response in communication back and forth with the organizers was too much for him that he just decided to cancel his Libyan trip at the last minute for the tournaments in the Caribbean and in Dubai. Good move too.
Kunle,
When I saw Adu at the World Open (from July 1st-5th), he told me he was playing at the championship, but I’m not sure when he started making arrangements. He appeared excited.
Did he apply on time and get passport translated? What did he need from the organizers? Did he apply in the U.S.? Of course that would be problematic.
Top players in the Sub-Saharan region have to play in these championships if African nations want to attract sponsors in the future.
Adu said they responded to his visa procedures late and while he was waiting for them to respond the airline ticket increased. So he just decided to cancel and made alternative plans.
After scoring 5.5/9 in Trinidad’s Caribbean Chess Carnival, Adu trekked to Abu Dhabi, UAE and sent the following message…
He included his second round game below and stated that he is playing GM Alekansdr Rakhmanov of Russia (2556 ELO) in the 3rd round.
Results: https://www.chess-results.com/tnr24519.aspx?art=0&lan=1&turdet=YES&m=-1&wi=1000
Here are Adu’s games from rounds 3-5 at the 18th Abu Dhabi Chess Festival:
Adu has got to play a bit more aggressively against GMs. In the game against Rakhmanov, he was not able to get any momentum and shuffled his pieces around. He has a better chance in open positions.
Nice article with photos!
ChessBase: https://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=5720
Also check out the Photo Gallery from the official site.