"Clash of the Titans"
(July 3rd & 10th - Nairobi, Kenya)
Kenya Kenya Kenya
Mehul Gohil the surprise package of the tournament managed to unleash terror on the seasoned players he managed to complete the tournament with a 5.5 points score. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005. Ben Nguku another upcoming player took the second prize he managed a score of 5 points. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005.

Mehul Gohil the surprise package of the tournament managed to unleash terror on the seasoned players he managed to complete the tournament with a 5.5 points score.

Ben Nguku another upcoming player took the second prize he managed a score of 5 points.

Nathan Ateka has played for Kenya board one in three Olympiads. He managed to get the 3rd Prize with 4.5 points. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005. Alex Makatia's poor performance should teach him the lesson that it is not wise to mix event organizing and playing hard chess at the same time. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005.

Alex Makatia's poor performance should teach him the lesson that it is not wise to mix event organizing and playing hard chess at the same time.

Nathan Ateka has played for Kenya board one in three Olympiads. He managed to get the 3rd Prize with 4.5 points.

Ben Magana was the clear cut winner of this event until the last two rounds where he lost to Mehul and drew with Martin Gateri. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005. Matthew Kanegeni  was the only player who managed to grab a point from the Champion Gohil. He in turn lost to Martin Gateri who lost to Makatia in an exciting tension packed match. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005.

Ben Magana was the clear cut winner of this event until the last two rounds where he lost to Mehul and drew with Martin Gateri.

Matthew Kanegeni  was the only player who managed to grab a point from the Champion Gohil. He in turn lost to Martin Gateri who lost to Makatia in an exciting tension packed match.

Gateri highest rated in this event, He learnt a few life lessons that being number one is easy but staying number one is where the hard work is!!!  Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005. Ben Mukabi and Nathan Ateka in round 1. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005.

Gateri highest rated in this event, He learnt a few life lessons that being number one is easy but staying number one is where the hard work is!!!

Ben Mukabi and Nathan Ateka in round 1.
Ateka and Mukabi right wind up their game.  Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005. Ateka left and Makatia right in a tension packed game. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005.

Ateka and Mukabi right wind up their game.

Ateka (left) and Makatia (right) in a tension packed game.
Gateri (left) and Kanengoni (right), Gateri Managed to squeeze a win from Kanegeni in this thrilling encounter. Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005. The two Ben's meet in a vicious clash. Ben Nguku left and Ben Magana (right). Copyright © Alex Makatia, 2005.

The two Ben's meet in a vicious clash. Ben Nguku left and Ben Magana (right).

Gateri (left) and Kanegeni (right). Gateri managed to squeeze a win from Kanegeni in this thrilling encounter.

Copyright © 2005 The Chess Drum.  All rights reserved.  The content contained on this page may not copied or electronically transmitted without the expressed consent of the author. These photographs are property of Alex Makatia and those interested in the use of any of them should contact him directly for use privileges.  Posted on The Chess Drum, 16 July 2005.