Chess juniors delivered a brilliant performance at the maiden edition of the Royal Rex Chess event in Lagos, showcasing their skills on and over the chessboard. 

The event, which was organised recently by a veteran chess player, Mr. Olurotimi Dasaolu, brought together chess players of all ages, especially juniors in the competition.

Dasaolu said the competition recorded a huge success with a turnout of over 70 participants across the two categories of play. The higher category featured 16 participants, including national players such as the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Yinka Adewole, and a former Chairman of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Architect Theophilus Caiafas.

The lower category had 54 participants, including 19 junior players aged 14 and younger, Dasaolu said, adding that at the end of 6 rounds of playing in the higher category, International Master Femi Balogun emerged 1st with a score of 5 points out of 6, conceding 2 draws, one of which was against second-placed Tosin Akinwamide.

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While Balogun won a cash prize of ₦150,000, Akinwamide walked home with ₦100,000. Caiafas was among the players who tied for third position.

“In the lower category, Abiola Adeyemo shined brilliantly as the winner with a score of five and a half points out of 6. His excellence earned him a cash sum of N100,000. The event produced a 3-way tie for the best female player. They are Ms. Treasure Nzeako, Ms. Victoria Ozemoje, and Ms. Zita Agusionu (aged 10) who pocketed N60,000 for their success. 12-year-old Henry Evbuomwan emerged the best junior of the event, scoring 4 points, and smiled home with a cash sum of N50,000.

“The Managing Director of Royal Rex Hotel, Architect Bimbo Fajemirokun, sponsored the event and promised that his establishment would sponsor an even bigger event. The Royal Rex Chess Event is held biannually,” Dasaolu said.