The Stage is set for the finals of the National Chess Championship scheduled to commence on Saturday 13th April 2013 at pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Rubaga.

[consuming fire!(CAXTON.)]

The Stage is set for the finals of the National Chess Championship scheduled to commence on Saturday 13th April 2013 at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Rubaga. Only the top players in the country will be eligible to participate in the finals.

On form Harold Wanyama will be the leading favourite to clinch the title but will be in for a stiff challenge against the likes of Zabasajja Memorial Champion Haruna Nsubuga, Elijah Emojong, Bob Bibasa and Grace Nsubuga among others. The defending champion Arthur Ssegwanyi is likely to miss the event.

The finals of the National Chess Championship will only attract players with international chess ratings and the top 6 unrated players from the first phase of the Qualifiers. These include Aaron Kanaabi who won the first phase, Rajab Kamoga, Raphael Buti, Jordan Teeba, Benjamin Mukumbya and Richard Buyinza.

In the ladies category, defending Champion Grace Kigeni is expected to face competition from the likes of fellow Olympian Goretti Angolikin, Christine Namaganda, Babirye Stella and Joy Kabengano among others. Phiona Mutesi who is still in the US may not participate in the event.

A minimum of Nine games will be played in the FIDE rated event that will help players without international rating to acquire them and those with ratings to improve on them. The event will also determine the 2013 National Chess Champions in the men and ladies categories.