The 2022 Zone 4.4 Championship has ended in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event running from May 2-9 and attracted 65 players from six African federation (46 in the open section and 19 n the women’s section). However, notable absentees include Madagascar and Uganda, probably the strongest chess nations in the zone.

WFM Sasha Mongeli of Kenya (pictured below) dominated the women’s event and secured the gold medal with a round to spare. She bulldozed her way by winning all nine games and walked away with a cash prize of USD 750. She will also receive are a conditional WIM title and a fully paid trip for the 2022 Sharjah Challengers Chess Championships.

Abate Lidet Haile of Ethiopia won the silver medal scoring 7½ points, while her compatriot Aster Melake Batiwalu claimed bronze with 6 points.

Essayas Berhane Elshalom of Eritrea deserves a special mention. Despite being unrated and aged just 14, she delivered a good performance to chalk up impressive 5 points tying for the fourth place.

Final standings Women:
 

CM Desalegn Fekadu Jimma  (pictured above) and CM Gezachew Abera Aydagnuhem of Ethiopia scored 7½ points each to tie for first place in the open section. They shared the top two cash prizes of USD 2,100. However,  Jimma  emerged the winner as his opponent’s average rating (the first tiebreaker variable) was higher. FM Samir Nadir of Sudan came out third with 6½ points.

Final standings Open:

The event was co-financed by FIDE Development Fund in Africa. The annual allocation for the continental events & projects is €100,000, and it allows the organizers to offer higher prizes and invite foreign players.

Text and photos: Kenya Chess Masala