Shorungbe, Osunfuyi in Early Lead at Ashtonwells Chess Tourney

The trio of Ademola Shorunge, Eugene Uwana and Abimbola Osunfuyi all won their respective games in the opening rounds of the second Ashtonwells Invitational Chess tourney that commenced yesterday at the Abraka Turf and country club Oria, Delta state.

Determined Osunfuyi was in his best element as he took advantage of Yinka Adesina’s blunder on move 12 to force his more experienced opponent to resign early with two minor officers about to fall. Uwana showed better composure in the middle game with a win over 2012 World Chess Olympiad debutant, Chukwunonso Oragwu while Sorungbe also dismissed Daniel Anwuli in another opening round game.

Veterans of several international tournaments, Adegboyega Adebayo and Oladapo Adu both settled to an early draw after move 23 just as Roland Oreyi and Abdulraheem Akintoye had even score in their game.

In the female category, Mandy Enarevba showed a better end game superiority against former national female champion, Labake Coker with connected pawn advantage after 52 moves.

Toritshemuwa Ofowno was better against Sandra Aramude while Funmilayo Akinola was on bye in the double round robin female event.

The sponsor of the tournament, Mr. Albert Esiri, urged all the participants to abide with the laid down rules of the game and take full advantage of being the best in the poll of Nigerian players to better their ratings aside the prize money they stand to win when the tournament end on Sunday.

The Abraka Turf and Country Club is a private country resort situated in Delta state in Southern Nigeria. The resort caters for both business and leisure travellers, it aims to provide a luxury service in an idyllic green setting.