Agbogidi Tare-ebi has retained his title at the second edition of the Ritchie Etonye Open Chess Championship held in Sagbama Town, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Agbogidi secured the championship with a 2-0 victory over Dabrilagha Ayibatonye, who finished as runner-up, while Dabrilagha Timilami placed third in the chess competition.
The tournament also featured Scrabble and draughts, providing participants with opportunities to demonstrate their skills in the mind-based sports.
In the Scrabble event, Kemenanebi Ogba emerged the winner with a cumulative score of +235. Patrick Edoh finished second with +122, while Boloebi Agbogidi placed third with +50.
Wariebi Ayaware won the draughts competition, with Agbogan and Adagabiri finishing second and third respectively.
To formally open the tournament, the sponsor and convener, Dr Ritchie Etonye, played a ceremonial chess match against Felix Igolukumo, defeating his opponent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Etonye said the championship was established to promote unity, encourage intellectual development and empower young people through sports.
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He noted that the event brought together players from different communities, schools and cultural backgrounds, fostering sportsmanship, friendship and healthy competition.
According to him, preparations for the third edition have commenced, stressing that the championship would continue as an avenue for discovering talents and strengthening relationships among young people.
“The true value of this championship cannot be measured only by the trophies. Its value lies in the knowledge acquired, the talents discovered, the friendships built and the character developed,” Etonye said.
Also speaking, the Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Mr Bibowei Lambert, commended Etonye for using chess to unite young people and promote intellectual sports in Sagbama Local Government Area.
Lambert described chess as an investment in the mind, highlighting the value of activities that encourage strategic thinking and intellectual engagement among young people.
The chess champion, Agbogidi Tare-ebi, expressed gratitude to God for his victory, describing the successful defence of his title as fulfilling.
He said his next ambition was to compete at the state level, adding another target to his competitive journey.
The second edition of the championship further expanded its reach beyond chess through the inclusion of Scrabble and draughts, reinforcing its focus on intellectual competition, youth development and community engagement.
This report was adapted from MG News24. Photo credit: MG News24.