Kwabena Adu-Poku and Gertrude Banini Crowned Champions at Ghana Chess Championship 2023

The 2023 Ghana National Chess Championship concluded with CM Kwabena Adu-Poku winning the Open Section, while Gertrude Banini triumphed in the Ladies Section. Both champions, along with other top finishers, secured spots on the Ghana National Chess Team for upcoming international competitions.

The 2023 Ghana National Chess Championship Finals featured two round-robin tournaments—Open and Ladies sections—held from December 26 to 30 at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra. The events included the top five highest-rated players from both divisions along with top finishers from the qualifying round earlier conducted from December 1 to 3.

In the Open Section, defending champion CM Kwabena Adu-Poku showcased exceptional skill, achieving a score of 7 out of 9 games and securing his third consecutive national title. FM John Hasford, a multiple-time national champion, finished second with 6.5 points, being the only player to defeat Adu-Poku during the tournament. Clinton Cephas Fomevor took the bronze medal with a score of 5.5 points, while IM Francis Anquandah, Bernard Anhwere, and rising talent Daniel Frempong-Smart tied for fourth place, with Anquandah and Anhwere qualifying for the national chess team due to superior direct encounter scores.

The Ladies Section concluded dramatically as newcomer Gertrude Banini achieved an impressive performance by scoring 8 out of 9 points, thereby becoming the National Women’s Champion. She surpassed Zone 4.2 Women’s Champion Maud Benson, who finished in second place with 7.5 points. Five-time National Women’s Champion Tobi Felix secured third place with a score of 6.5 points.

The top five players from both the Open and Ladies sections are now members of the Ghana National Chess Team, known as the Golden Knights, and will represent Ghana at the upcoming 45th World Chess Olympiad and the 13th African Games.

In conclusion, the 2023 Ghana National Chess Championship highlighted remarkable performances, with CM Kwabena Adu-Poku maintaining his dominance in the Open Section and Gertrude Banini emerging as a new champion in the Ladies Section. Both sections featured intense competition, culminating in the selection of the Golden Knights, who will represent Ghana at prestigious international events, showcasing the nation’s chess talent.

Original Source: www.fide.com