On Saturday 21 June, the final event of the first African Open Fries Dammen took place: a competition for women, at the special invitation of the Cameroonian Draughts Federation. No fewer than 18 participants registered at the start, who played five rounds according to the Swiss system throughout the day. The atmosphere was sporting, but the games were played at the cutting edge, and here and there the players were faced with hilarious surprises. All in all, for many it was a warm introduction to an exciting competitive sport.
Once again, the internet-connected tablets proved their worth: incorrect moves were automatically corrected, and the games could be followed live anywhere in the world. At the end of the day, one participant had won all five games, so Anita Njampou Tchouankap from Yaoundé was declared the deserved winner.
Tomorrow, the closing ceremony of the World Draughts Championship will take place, at which the African Open will also be officially closed and the prizes will be awarded to the finalists of the Masters and Grandmasters.
