Basangwa Johnson Emerges Winner in Innovation Cup Rapid Chess Tournament Season 2

The Innovation Cup Rapid Chess Tournament Season 2 concluded with a spectacular finish drawing players from across the region. Held under the theme of promoting chess as a professional sport in Africa, the tournament witnessed intense competition and thrilling finishes across various categories.

In the highly competitive U1900 section, Basangwa Johnson emerged as the undisputed champion, scoring an impressive 6.5 points out of a possible 8. His sharp play earned him the top spot.

Trailing closely behind, Mukuye Ivan secured second place with 6 points. Joining him with the same score but finishing third on tiebreaks was Mugisha Ivan Jalagatha, whose aggressive style kept opponents on edge. Mugaga Allan rounded out the top four, also finishing with 6 points, highlighting the high level of competition in this section.

The junior categories provided their own share of excitement and inspiring performances. In the Junior Boys section, Muhirwa Alvin outplayed his peers to claim the top prize—a brand-new TV.

In the Junior Girls section, Mackline delivered a commanding performance to defeat Hailey in the final rounds and take home a subwoofer.

Sanya Derrick, a seasoned chess player, coach, and events organizer, shared his vision for the Innovation Cup and the broader chess landscape in Africa:

“^{_{My main aim is to see East Africa produce a Grandmaster, develop chess as a professional sport, and improve lives through the game. Chess has the potential to provide jobs, generate income for players, and elevate the sport to professional standards across Africa."}}

As the chess community looks forward to the next season, the achievements of players like Basangwa Johnson and the promising juniors stand as a testament to the bright future of chess in the region

Credit: Samuel Were