Alexis Ruzigura retained the Genocide Memorial Chess Tournament (GMCT) title on Sunday at IPRC Kigali in Kicukiro, an event that attracted a remarkable 46 participants up from 32 at last year’s edition.

Ruzigura garnered 5.5 points from six games to finish ahead of Ben Tom Zimulinda and Elysee Tuyizere who finished second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, Odile Kalisa was the best female player after registering four wins including one against the reigning national champion, Marie Faustine Shimwa.

"When you love something and then achieve such positive results, it is a joy. I was very happy but this is not the end of the story. Chess is demanding and I have to train more, every day, to keep improving,” said Kalisa who came ahead of the other seven participating ladies with the number up from four at last year’s event. 

Rwanda Chess Federation (FERWADE) president Innocent Kangwagye said, "More people are playing chess and it is good. Our sole aim, however, was to remember innocent lives that were lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This important fun game brings people together through healthy competition.”

Kangwagye added that chess events are "an amazing atmosphere of unity”.