Rwanda Chess Federation (FERWADE) president Kevin Ganza has said new and young chess players are a source of optimism that the future is bright for Rwanda Chess.

His comments came after five youngsters participated in the Championship Qualifiers, which concluded Sunday at IPRC-Kigali, with one of them convincingly battling his way into the top six, who will play in the final next month.

Rongin Munyurangabo, a 17-year-old from Gikondo, a suburb of Kigali, emerged second after he trounced among others, Ganza, two other strong senior players, and drew with Ian Urwintwari Murara, 15, another rising star who was unfortunate not to make the top six.

Ganza said: "We are happy that, among them, there were teenagers who stunned everyone. I was particularly impressed by 17-year old Rongin. He gives hope for Rwanda Chess future.”

"As a player, I thought making top six would be easy given that there were youngsters in the tournament but my assumptions were  wrong as the youngsters became out too tough to break. All in all, however, it was a good tournament.”

Sixteen players participated. The top six are Dr. Ben Karenzi (5.5 points), Rongin Munyurangabo (4.5), Sabin Sheja (4.0), Asad Ndangiza (4.0), Anastase Nyandwi (4.0), and Eric Maina (3.5), respectively.

Munyurangabo’s 15-year-old sister, Joselyne Uwase (3.0), was seventh and could play in the final, should any one of the top six pull out.

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