The inaugural Gulu End of Year Chess Open came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, 22nd December 2024, at Elephante Commons in Gulu City.
A total of 85 players participated in the day-long championship, which consisted of 7 rounds.
South Sudanese national Gong Thon Gong took top honors, scoring an impressive 6.5 points to claim the overall title.
Fide Master Bob Bibasa finished a close second with 6 points, while Samuel Ngong Gal secured third place with the same score.
In the junior categories, Sunday Kuc won the U-8 title with 4 points, David Kim Owor took the U-10 crown with 5 points, Mercy Elna Lakica emerged victorious in the U-14 category with 5 points, and Emmanuel Oruu won the U-16 title with 5 points.
Edwin Pido scored 6 points to win the U-18 category.
Caroline Lanyero was awarded the Best Lady prize with 4 points, while McDonald Presby Oketta took home the Best Senior (50+ years) award with 3.5 points.
The tournament was sponsored by the Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) and hosted by Elephante Commons.
The event was organized by FI AO Patrick Ojok, with support from McDonald Oketa, Lino Ogora, Richard Owiny, and Lovelle Odong.
IA Stephen Kisuze Ssemango (FM, FI) served as the chief arbiter.
The winners received trophies and cash rewards, with Mr. Robert Okot, the Gulu City Sports Officer, gracing the occasion as the chief guest.
Gulu End of year chess championship 2024
Overall winner: Gong Thon Gong – 6.5 points
1st Runners up: FM Bob Bibasa – 6 points
2nd Runners up: Samuel Ngong Gal – 6 points
Best lady: Caroline Lanyero – 4 points
U-8 winner: Sunday Kuc – 4 points
U-12 winner: David Kim Owor – 5 points
U-14 winner: Mercy Elna Lakica – 5 points
U-16 winner: Emmanuel Oruu – 5 points
U-18 winner: Edwin Pido – 6 points
Best senior (50 years plus): McDonald Presby Oketta – 3.5 points.
