Before the October edition of Chess Heights Lagos, Nwagwu Timothy, popularly known as Honour, had his eyes on first place. He felt more confident in himself, was learning to be more patient, and wanted to play good chess throughout the tournament.
He finished 11th with 3.5/6 points. It wasn’t the result he had hoped for. When we caught up with him afterwards, he described his performance as disappointing but was ready to move on. Despite the result, he recognised some progress in his game, particularly in time management, and remained determined to keep improving.
In this edition of Chess Heights Monthly: Before and After, we revisit Honour’s expectations before the tournament and his thoughts after six rounds of chess.
Before the Tournament: Playing Better Chess
Going into the tournament, Honour felt he had a clearer idea of how to improve his game. He was becoming more patient, growing in confidence, and trying to eliminate the small mistakes that could cost him a game. His target was first place, but he also had a more personal goal: to play good chess from start to finish.
Chess Heights: How has your chess journey been since the last tournament? Have you noticed any changes in your game?
Nwagwu Timothy: I have a clearer idea of how to improve now, and I’ve been more patient. The progress is subtle but steady.
Chess Heights: What have you been working on in preparation for this edition?
Nwagwu Timothy: Prefer not to say🌚
Chess Heights: How confident are you going into this tournament, and what are your expectations?
Nwagwu Timothy: I’m more confident in myself now. I just want to play my best chess.
Chess Heights: What would you consider a successful tournament for yourself?
Nwagwu Timothy: First place.
Chess Heights: What specific aspect of your game are you hoping to improve or get right during the tournament?
Nwagwu Timothy: No one-move blunders or tunnel vision. Just good chess throughout.
Chess Heights: Is there anyone in particular you are looking forward to playing?
Nwagwu Timothy: Ogunsanya Tobiloba or his prodigy, Bolayo.
Chess Heights: What has your experience in previous tournaments taught you about yourself as a player?
Nwagwu Timothy: It has grounded me. I know I still have a lot to learn.
Chess Heights: How important are tournaments like Chess Heights Lagos to your development as a player?
Nwagwu Timothy: Chess Heights is a unique initiative in Nigeria, ahead of its time. I want to see it succeed, and I’m happy to be part of it.
Chess Heights: What are your long-term goals in chess?
Nwagwu Timothy: Top-level chess.
Chess Heights: What would you like to take away from this tournament, regardless of your final position?
Nwagwu Timothy: Don’t check back with me after the tournament please.
With his expectations set, Honour went into the tournament hoping to turn his confidence and preparation into a strong result. First place was the target, but playing consistently good chess was just as important.
After the Tournament: A Disappointing Result, but We Move On
The tournament ended with Honour in 11th place, scoring 3.5 points out of six. It was a result that fell short of his expectations, and he did not hide his disappointment. Still, his reflections offered some insight into what he took away from the experience and what he hopes to improve before the next edition.
Chess Heights: Now that the tournament is over, how would you describe your overall performance?
Nwagwu Timothy: Disappointing. I didn’t achieve my goal.
Chess Heights: Was there any particular game that stood out to you, either positively or negatively?
Nwagwu Timothy: No.
Chess Heights: What is the biggest lesson you are taking away from this tournament?
Nwagwu Timothy: I still have a lot of work to do.
Chess Heights: Looking back at your preparation and performance, do you feel you have improved since the last tournament?
Nwagwu Timothy: Yes, but it’s almost unnoticeable. Mainly in time management.
Chess Heights: How important do you think regular tournament opportunities are for your growth as a chess player?
Nwagwu Timothy: Very important.
Chess Heights: How would you rate the organisation of this edition of Chess Heights Lagos?
Nwagwu Timothy: Very well organised and put together.
Chess Heights: What do you think players gain from participating in tournaments like this beyond the results?
Nwagwu Timothy: Exposure and familiarity with the tournament atmosphere.
Chess Heights: Do you have any specific goals for the next edition of Chess Heights Lagos?
Nwagwu Timothy: Yes. I hope they materialise.
Chess Heights: What mindset or lesson from this tournament do you intend to carry into your next competition?
Nwagwu Timothy: My determination and confidence.
The Work Continues
Honour went into Chess Heights Lagos October aiming for first place, but finished 11th with 3.5/6. It wasn’t what he had set out to achieve, and he made no attempt to disguise his disappointment.
Still, his reflections weren’t entirely negative. He acknowledged that he was improving, particularly in time management, even if the progress was difficult to notice. He also spoke positively about the organisation of the tournament and emphasised how important regular competitive opportunities are to his development.
Before the event, Honour spoke about becoming more patient and understanding how much he still had to learn. Afterwards, that awareness remained. His performance may not have matched his ambitions, but his determination and confidence were things he wanted to carry into his next competition.
His long-term goal hasn’t changed: top-level chess.
For now, there’s more work to do, more experience to gain, and another tournament ahead. As Honour’s reflections suggest, one disappointing result does not end the journey. The work continues.
Pictures from the tournament
