PICTURE REPORT

The March 2007  edition of the ‘Friends of Chess’ rapid tournament held as is now typical at the Lafiaji Community Center, Obalende Lagos. On paper, it promised to be very exciting as some of the nations top players (just back from the A.A.G camp) were around. So the question was, would the surprise February champion, Oluwole Oladele (picture on news page ) retain his title?

This month’s edition was extremely competitive. The kaduna returnees were ; Ajibola Olanrewaju (Papa), Yemi Fawole , Femi Olape and Bayo Adegboyega (Little B) .

Little B was up against it in round one. He was a pawn up (against Chike) in a delicate rook ending but couldn't convert the point.

Chike vs Bayo
Bayo drew another game (another ending) against Olamide. He finished with 5 points. Chike ended up with 4.5 and the second place opens prize.

Another of the Kaduna returnees Femi Olape had it tough in his round 5 game against Demola Sorungbe the eventual joint winner of the tournament.

One unique feature of the event is that all players played in the same Swiss tournament regardless of category and strength.

Henry - Fawole

Also, the presence and paticipation of ageless veterans contributes to the growth of the chess family , and is always a welcome.

Jegede - Olomola

Dr Segun Olomola has been one of the sponsors of the tournament since inception. He is a National Master (NM) and coach to the Osun state team.
The argument is still unsettled of which generation plays the stronger chess, their Veteran’s generation or our generation X.

The mens title was shared by Ajibola Olanrewaju and Demola Sorungbe with a total of 5.5 pts each with Olape femi, Bayo Adegboyega and Fawole Yemi tied for 3rd - 5th.

Three nameless young ladies, from The Polythecnic Ibadan, tied for the womens prize while the opens prizes went to Wale Williams and Chike.

Chinedu was the giant killer of the previous edition and would have won but for his loss in the final round to Oluwole. He lives in the eastern city of Owerri.

?... Busola.... ?

The 3 prize winners of the female category.(Ed - Our roving reporter, Demola Sorungbe did not manage to get the names of yhe ladies. He was busy trying to win the tourney. My apologies.)

Charles Campbel Vs Akeem Amosu
Campbel arrived with 1 min to his opponents 30 on the clock ... he lost.

Ajibowo Olamide
Just back from the University games with two Gold medals .

Ojo - Rojugbokan (Kramnik)

The man behind Friends Of Chess Rapids, veteran chessplayer and accomplished organizer, Mr Rotimi 'Dashe' Dasaolu during a 4th rnd encounter with Femi Olape.

....and the winners Sorungbe Demola and AjibolaOlanrewaju.