KCB extends Chess Premier League perfect run in Kisumu

Eight-time Kenya Chess Premier League champions KCB Chess Club resumed its league fixtures on a high with a commanding display during the two-day Premier League action in Kisumu.

KCB registered three victories, winning 3-2 against Victoria Warriors Chess Club and 3½ - 1½ (3 wins, a draw and a loss) against Mavens Chess Club on Saturday.

On Sunday, the winning streak continued with KCB claiming a hard-fought 3½ - 1½ (3 wins, a draw and a loss) against Victoria Elite Chess Club to maintain its unbeaten streak in the 2025 Kenya Chess Premier League.

KCB now tops the table with 21 points after 7 rounds of matches played so far, 4 points ahead of second-place Equity Chess Club.

In Saturday’s first fixture against Victoria Warriors Chess Club, KCB’s Hugh Misiko, Hawi Barry Kaloki, and Elizabeth Cassidy secured straight wins over Samuel Mwaura, Clinton Shikuku, and Charity Mutheu.

However, former national chess champion Joseph Methu and Joseph Irungu fell short against Wagodo Abdul and James Emanikor, respectively.

In the second round of matches against the Mavens, Joseph Methu bounced back strongly with a commanding win over youngster Manyeki Nathaniel. He was joined by Ian Mutuge, who outsmarted Martin Mambo to secure another victory.

Meanwhile, Ben Magana was held to a draw by top seed Christian Mugambi Mwamba, while FIDE Master Joyce Nyaruai suffered a defeat at the hands of Peter Majur Manyang. Martin Njoroge was awarded a walkover after his opponent failed to show up.

On Sunday afternoon, KCB wrapped up their weekend with another 3½ - 1½ win, this time against Victoria Elite Chess Club. Standout performances came from Methu, Barry Kaloki, and Nyaruai, each securing straight wins to seal the result. Misiko drew with Nhial Chol, while Mutuge lost to Muchiri Rocky.

“We have had a pretty good outing this weekend, winning all three matches that were scheduled for us. Our focus now goes to our next fixture, a big one against Equity Chess Club, but I am confident that we will maintain the unbeaten run, important to reclaiming the title,” team Captain Ben Magana said.

The team's confidence has been boosted by a series of Open Chess tournaments that were held in the last two weekends, in Nakuru and Kiambu, with KCB emerging as the best corporate team in both tournaments.

“The tournaments provided a better training ground for our players, we were gauging ourselves against the top teams in Kenya and beyond. We need to replicate the same energy league in all the remaining games,” he added.

KCB now shifts focus to a high-stakes fixture next month in Nairobi, where they face reigning champions Equity Chess Club, a match expected to test their unbeaten momentum.