Chess Juniors shine at maiden Royal Rex Chess event

At the maiden edition of the Royal Rex Chess event held in Lagos on March 22, 2025, chess juniors shined in a competitive environment as they showcased their skills on and over the chessboard.

The event which was organised by a veteran chess player, Mr. Olurotimi Dasaolu and sponsored by the management of the Royal Rex Hotel brought together chess players of all ages, especially juniors in the competition.

The first Royal Rex Chess event recorded a huge success with a turnout of over 70 participants across the two categories of play. The first category is the higher category, which featured a number of National players like the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Yinka Adewole and a former Chairman of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Architect Theophilus Caiafas amongst its 16 participants.

The second category is the lower category, which had 54 participants which included 19 junior players aged 14 and younger.

At the end of 6 rounds of playing, the top seed of the event, International Master Femi Balogun emerged 1st with a score of 5 points out of 6 conceding 2 draws, one of which was against second placed Tosin Akinwamide. While Balogun won a cash sum of N150,000, Akinwamide walked home with N100,000 after the process. Theophilus Caiafas was amongst the players who tied for third position.

In the lower category, Abiola Adeyemo shined brilliantly as the winner with a score of five and a half points out of 6. His excellence got him a cash sum of N100,000. The event produced a 3-way tie for the best female player. They are Ms. Treasure Nzeako, Ms. Victoria Ozemoje, and Ms. Zita Agusionu (aged 10) who pocketed N60,000 for their success. 12-year-old Henry Evbuomwan emerged the best junior of the event