The
Gambia Chess Federation (GCF) national championship held last Sunday at the
Catholic secretariat hall saw five players tied on first position.
Jalamang
Jallow, Habib Mboob, Ebrima Camara, Demba Njie and Melricus Jones all finished the competition with 5 points
each in the men senior category.
The
federation presented them with ten thousand dalasis and promised to organise a
final for them to determine the winner at a later date.
Mustapha
Jallow finished second position with four and a half points and received a cash
prize of D5000.
Jimmy
Kaba took third position with 4 points and was awarded a cash prize of D3000.
In
the men junior category, Matthew Aziz emerged winner with 6 points and was
handed a cash prize of D5000.
Ousman
Singhateh came out second position with 5 points and thus pocketed home D3000
while Omar Jallow occupied third position with 4 points. He received D2000.
Sira
Jallow was named the winner of the female category with 6 points and received a
cash prize of D5000.
Huja
Jallow and Christina Aziz finished second position with each 5 points and were
rewarded each a cash prize of D3000.
Mariama
Krubally came out third position with four and a half points and received
D2000.
Speaking
at the presentation of prizes, Alh. Abdoulie Bojang of the National Sports
Council expressed delight in seeing the federation stage its national
championship. He called on all national associations to be hosting
championships to identify new talents.
He
also urged the federation to keep up the momentum in taking chess to higher
heights. According to him they do not want to see one-man associations in the
country.
Jalamang
Jallow, president of The Gambia Chess Federation said he is impressed with the
enthusiasm showed by young players, especially female players and described
them as the future of chess in the country.
He
admitted that it has been difficult for them as a federation the past few years
but added that with their commitment and dedication to see chess develops in
the country they continue to stage championships.
He
highlighted the importance of discipline for sportsmen and women, adding that
it is also important to stay united as a chess federation.
