Some members of the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF), in support of the Re-election of President George Weah on Thursday, September 7, 2023, hosted its Check 18 chess tournament, with Anthony Waylea, Jr. and Georgina Sackie winning the open section and female section, respectively.
Waylea, Jr. dominated the open section with 7.5 total points in nine rounds, while Sackie in the female section collected eight points after the nine round competition, to be crowned champions of the two-day event which took place in Monrovia.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, over five athletes in each category were awarded cash prizes, after performing well in the just ended chess tournament, organized in honor of the Chief Patron of Sports, President Weah’s re-election
The Group Head, Thomas Karyah, said that five out of the many players that participated in the tournament walked away with cash prizes.
Karyah, speaking to journalists, said even though the tournament was special as part of President Weah’s re-election campaign, it also helped to improve their athletes’ skills as they keep on their training for national and international tournaments.
He described the athletes’ turn-out for the tournament as a boost for the progress of their skills, and hopes to soon launch another big tournament to keep them focused, as they prepare for more national and international competitions.
“The tournament was a special one in celebration of the re-election of the Chief Patron of Sports, President George Weah, so we had awards for the winners and runners-up, and even people that finished in the top five in the male and female categories. The first place award was US$1,000, won by one of Liberia’s best, Anthony Waylea, Joel O. Ebiekuta came second and walked away with US$700, while James Tondo received US$500, after finishing third in the male division,” Karyah disclosed.
“In the female section, Georgina Sackie received US$400 as winner, Abigail Karyah received US$300 USD for second place, and she was followed by Princess K. Banney, who received US$150 in third spot. In the youth section, Archie Dayyeah collected US$200 as winner, Samuel Williams took home US$100 for second place, while Elijah Thomas received US$50 for third place,” Karyah added.
Speaking further, Mr. Karyah paid tribute to Finance Minister, Samuel Tweh, for financing the tournament, and called on winners from the male and female divisions and other participants to keep on their talented performances, as they will soon organize more tournaments.
