The 2023 Ghana National Chess Championship Finals featured two sections: Open and Ladies. CM Kwabena Adu-Poku won the Open title, securing his third consecutive championship, while Gertrude Banini was crowned National Women’s Champion. The event determined participants for the Ghana National Chess Team, The Golden Knights, for upcoming international competitions.
The 2023 Ghana National Chess Championship Finals took place from December 26-30 at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra, featuring two 10-player round-robin tournaments for the Open and Ladies sections. Participants included the top five rated players from each section alongside the top five finishers from the Qualifiers held earlier from December 1-3.
In the Open Section, defending champion CM Kwabena Adu-Poku excelled, securing a score of 7 out of 9, thus earning his third consecutive national title. FM John Hasford followed in second place with 6.5 points, being the only player to defeat Adu-Poku. Clinton Cephas Fomevor finished third with 5.5 points, while IM Francis Anquandah and Bernard Anhwere, alongside rising star Daniel Frempong-Smart, tied for fourth position, with Anquandah and Anhwere qualifying for the national chess team based on direct encounters.
The Ladies Section saw newcomer Gertrude Banini shine, achieving an impressive 8 out of 9 points to claim the title of National Women’s Champion. Zone 4.2 Champion Maud Benson secured the runner-up position, finishing with 7 points, while five-time National Champion WCM Tobi Felix took third place with 6.5 points.
The top five players from both sections will represent Ghana in international competitions, including the 45th World Chess Olympiad and the 13th African Games as part of the Ghana National Chess Team, known as The Golden Knights.
The 2023 Ghana National Chess Championship concluded successfully, showcasing the talents of both seasoned and emerging players. CM Kwabena Adu-Poku defended his title in the Open Section, while newcomer Gertrude Banini dazzled in the Ladies Section. Both sections produced fierce competition, culminating in the selection of the Golden Knights, who will represent Ghana on the international stage.
Original Source: www.fide.com
