Introductions
The Chess Height Gombe January edition was a resounding success, with 19 players competing in a one-day, six-round chess tournament. Out of 19 participants, including four rated players, Yakubu Daniel Musa showcased a dominant performance by remaining undefeated throughout the six-round tournament. On January 4th, 2025, Damaryam Yakkon Kenneth directed the event, with Abdul Diop serving as the chief arbiter and Suleman Chindo as the deputy chief arbiter.
Chess Height Gombe had a fast-paced time control, where each player had 20 minutes to make their moves, with an additional 5 seconds added after each move.
Early rounds
In the very first round, Yakubu Daniel Musa (1974) was paired against Ishaya Moses on the first board, with the rated player coming out victorious in the match, while Salisu Ismaila lost with black against Wadiri Solomon Simon (1891). Meanwhile, on board 3, Abdullahi Sani (1732) won with the white piece against Sandif Samson, and the last-rated player, Namarwa Mercy Iliya, defeated Taylor Yusuf on the third board.
Going into the second round, Tiko Jonathan Ambore, who was unrated, was defeated by a more experienced Yakubu Daniel Musa on board one. While the remaining three rated players also won their board.
Round 3 was the first peaceful resolution, as Yakubu Daniel Musa drew against Nawarma Mercy Iliya on board 1. On board 2, Yakkon Damaryam couldn’t deliver a win as white against Wudri Solomon Simon (1891). Abdullahi Sanni (1732) won against an unrated Abubakar Hassan on the third board.
The only other draw in round 3 occurred on board 6, where Umaru Micah drew against Ishaya Moses, and Yabraks Kengom received a bye.
Later rounds
Only two players were on 3/3 after the third round, and it was ideal that they clashed in the fourth round, as Wudiri Solomon Simon (1891) lost to Abdullahi Sani (1732).
Yakubu Daniel Musa also won his game against an unrated Taylor Yusuf on board 2, and Namarwa Mercy Iliya (1649) was upset by Tiko Jonathan Ambore.
Round 5 was simply a draw galore, with three draws on the top three boards: Abdullahi Sanni (1732) vs. Yakubu Daniel Musa (1974), Tiko Jonathan Ambore, who is having a wonderful event, drew against higher-rated Wudiri Solomon Simon (1891), and the final draw was Yakkon Damaryam vs. Umaru Micah on the third board.
Abdullahi Sani (1732) only needed a draw for the final and decisive round to secure first place. However, Tiko Jonathan Ambore had other plans and ended what had been a good run by upsetting his higher-rated opponent on board one.
Yakubu Daniel Musa also won his board 2 game against Yakkon Damaryam to secure first place.
The remaining games all had decisive outcomes.
Conclusion
Yakubu Daniel Musa’s stellar performance at the Chess Height Gombe January edition solidified his dominance in the tournament, finishing unbeaten and securing clear first place. His consistent and resilient gameplay over six rounds highlighted his strategic skills, establishing him as the standout player of the event. The tournament was thrilling and competitive, with several upsets, hard-fought draws, and impressive performances from both rated and unrated players. Following the success of this edition, Chess Height Gombe remains a great tournament for players to hone their skills, ensuring thrilling encounters in upcoming events.