CHESS JUNIORS SHINE AT MAIDEN ROYAL REX CHESS EVENT IN LAGOS

The maiden edition of the Royal Rex Chess competition has ended in Lagos, with a set of winners taking home various cash prizes. The event, which held on March 22, 2025, was organised by veteran Chess player, Mr. Olurotimi Dasaolu, and sponsored by the management of Royal Rex Hotel. The event brought together over 70 Chess players of all ages, especially juniors in the competition, from ages 14 and below. The winners include International Master Femi Balogun who took home a cash prize of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) after emerging victorious at the end of round-6, with 5 points of 6, and conceding 2 draws. One of the draws recorded by Balogun was against Tosin Akinwamide, who finished second, taking home a cash prize of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira.) Theophilus Caiafas was among the players who tied for third position.  The chess event also produced a 3-way tie for the best female player, comprising Ms. Treasure Nzeako, Ms. Victoria Ozemoje, and Ms. Zita Agusionu, (all aged 10), with cash prizes of N60,000 (Sixty Thousand Naira) each. Also, 12-year-old Henry Evbuomwan emerged the best junior of the event, scoring 4 points, and smiled home with a cash sum of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira.) The higher category of the Royal Rex Chess event also featured notable national players, such as 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 16 participants.  In a statement at the end of the chess competition, the Managing Director of Royal Rex Hotel, Architect Bimbo Fajemirokun; sponsored the event, promised the willingness of the organiation to sponsor an even bigger event.