By S. Siapha Mulbah
Chess players at the West Africa Chess Championship, FIDE Zone 4.2 tournament, have been cautioned by the arbitration team to follow and uphold the rules of the game.
The team of arbiters at the biggest regional Chess competition currently taking place at the Creed Lodge in Marshall City, Margibi County, has also informed participants of the competition that efforts are being made to have the competition smoothly handled, as professionalism from the players and officials is paramount.
Speaking to journalists at the game’s venue, the chief arbiter, Emmanuel Adeyemi, and his principal deputy, Mario Kpan, explained that Chess is a game of ethical and professional standing, and hosting the biggest regional event in Liberia means a lot for every actor who continues to put in all for its success.
According to Adeyemi, the rules of the game cannot be changed for any reason and the arbitration team is going to ensure that every participant is in full adherence.
He added that, with the rules being made by authorities for the beauty of chess all over the world, the different federations must work with its representatives to have a peaceful event.
The chief arbiter also told the participants and different stakeholders during a technical session before the kickoff of the competition, that the organizers outline the various regulations to help his team of arbitrators work under a specific scope, which will not be taken lightly.
He promised to use his experience to have West Africa host the 10th regional championship, because the players participating are from known federations and under a smooth atmosphere.
“Well, the atmosphere is good and chess is a very cold sport. We will have the Zone 4.2 competition in Liberia with ease. Though it is a big event, it will not beat our experience when it comes to what we have been doing at the bigger tournaments that have to do with more federations from around the world. We encourage our players to enjoy their participation, make friends, and extend the chess family. Follow the rules to the fullest,” he added.
Adeyemi is a professional international arbiter with origins from Nigeria. He has over 20 years’ experience in chess arbitration and has practiced in nearly all of the biggest chess events round the world at the level of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
For his part, the Deputy Chief Arbiter, Mario Kpan, expressed gladness being part of a team with good experience to take Liberia’s opportunity of hosting her sisterly federations to success. Always visiting and contributing to chess development for the Liberian Federation, Mario’s excitement covers being part of history-making.
He urged those concerned with the 2024 West African Chess Championship Zone 4.2 to act as a professional family that will be making decisions to shape the world around them.
