The chess programme of the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, kicked off with the Mixed Team Rapid Championship, a 6-round Swiss tournament with 15 min + 10 sec time control that attracted teams from 18 countries. Each team consisted of two chess players, featuring one man (first board) and one woman (second board).
As many expected, it all came down to the race of the rating favorites, although both top and second seeds, Egypt and Algeria, stumbled at the start: the Pharaohs drew with Uganda in Round 1, while the Algerians fell to South Africa (0.5-1.5) in Round 2.
Unfazed, Egypt whitewashed their opponents in Rounds 2-4 and grabbed the lead with 7/8, closely followed by Madagascar, Algeria and Angola, all on 6/8. The match Egypt – Algeria in Round 5 (arguably the most important one for both teams) ended in a draw, but Madagascar and Angola also split points facing each other.
Going into the final sixth round as the sole leader, Egypt won both games vs Nigeria and clinched the title with 10/12. Egypt’s (GM Bassem Amin and WGM Shahenda Wafa) gold is well-deserved. The Pharaohs became the only unbeaten team in the competition, with Bassem Amin (pictured below) winning all his six games.
Algeria (IM Adlane Arab and WIM Lina Nassr) prevailed over Angola and took silver, netting 9/12. In the match for last place on the podium, Madagascar and South Africa exchanged blows and drew, which favored the eighth seed Malagasies (IM Fy Antenaina Rakotomaharo and Aina Mahasambatra Tsinjoviniavo), who won bronze thanks to a greater number of game points.
Final standings:
|
1 |
Egypt |
10 |
|
2 |
Algeria |
9 |
|
3 |
Madagascar |
8 |
|
4 |
South Africa |
8 |
|
5 |
Angola |
7 |
|
6 |
Nigeria |
7 |
|
7 |
Botswana |
7 |
|
8 |
Zambia |
7 |
|
9 |
Ivory Coast |
6 |
|
10 |
Mozambique |
6 |
Official website: accra2023.fide.com/
Official sponsor:
Riyadh Season
Riyadh Season is an official partner of FIDE at the 13th African Games in Accra.
Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest annual winter entertainment festivals located in Saudi Arabia, it welcomes millions of visitors every year who get to experience a variety of exciting surprises, events, and music concerts. Additionally, it hosts international activities and events that draw in world-renowned stars in sports such as boxing, tennis, and football. The festivities capture the essence of Saudi heritage and hospitality and it showcases its present-day vibranism.
For more information about Riyadh season, visit: riyadhseason.com
