Ian Urwintwari Murara, a grade 11 student of Wellspring academy in Rwanda won the individual Rapid Open chess tournament.
At an event which held on Sunday, 29th of October, the 15 year old, to the utter amazement of all emerged winner, surprising everyone with his performance as he trounced older and more experienced opponents.
He competed in two events- a rapid open chess tournament with 15 minutes time control and a Blitz open chess tournament with five minutes time control and emerged Chess master, trouncing his dad, who was also a finalist.
The teenager who plays for Kiyovu-based Knight club expressed his delight at his success.
“I’m happy my training has paid off but I believe there’s room for improvement”he
said.
With his father as his coach and successive training online, he was able to make board one, a prestigious spot usually reserved for the strongest player.
Rwanda Chess federation (FERWADE) president, Kevin Gaza who was also a tournament director, commended him on his maturity,. He said “what is most amazing in the results is the performance of Ian Murara who demonstrated maturity on board and gave better future for Rwanda chess.
Well Done Ian!