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Mehul Gohil is the undisputed winner of the Kenya National Chess Championships after reigning supreme at a climax event held at the Nairobi, Charter Hall.

The five-day event had a nail biting final day with competitors pushing themselves to the wall and forcing play offs.

Hugh Misiko and Gohil worked out nine tense rounds and tied on 24 points apiece before playing a two game rapid match of 15 minutes with a 10 seconds increment that tied to a one point a piece. The next match, a second playoffs in a Blitz time control of five minutes with a three seconds increment also ended with the same results as the first one.

As per the tournament rules, Misiko and Gohil went to the final playoffs match and this time round, Mehul outwitted Misiko to a tactical endgame. “This was one of the toughest events I have ever participated in. Misiko is such a competitor, I thank God to have won it,” said an excited Gohil who also added that his next step now is to join the national team.

Joyce Ndirangu narrowly won the ladies category by half a point against Madelta Glenda who finished second with 7.5 points. -Shadrack Andenga