A college pupil, who wanted money, disguised himself as a feminine chess participant by donning a burqa and took part in Kenya Open Chess Championship in Nairobi, which boasted a formidable prize fund of $42,000 (round ₹34 lakh).
Carrying spectacles, 25-year-old Stanley Omondi managed to get via the fourth spherical of the competitors by not talking a phrase, reported SBS information.
How did he get caught?
Omondi registered himself within the chess match as Millicent Awuor. At first, he didn’t arouse suspicion as “carrying a hijab is regular”, stated chess Kenya president Bernard Wanjala.
“One of many pink flags we additionally observed [was] the footwear, he was carrying extra masculine footwear, than female,” Wanjala informed the BBC.
“We additionally observed he was not speaking, even when he got here to gather his tag, he could not converse, ordinarily, if you find yourself taking part in, you converse to your opponent… as a result of taking part in a chess recreation just isn’t battle its friendship.”
Nonetheless, his cowl was blown when he beat former nationwide champion Gloria Jumba and Ugandan high participant Ampaira Shakira, reported the New York Publish.
In a personal room, the person was requested for identification, and he finally got here clear, admitting that he was a college pupil who wanted the money, added the report.
Because of this, the imposter participant has been kicked out of the competitors whereas all his factors have been awarded to his opponents. The match, which ran from April 6-10 on the Sarit Expo Heart in Nairobi, attracted virtually 450 gamers from 22 federations.
‘Remorse my actions’
“I used to be caught within the act of taking part in within the girls part of the Kenya Open part but I’m male. The rationale was on account of monetary wants however I deeply remorse my actions and settle for all penalties,” Omondi stated, in keeping with native media outlet Mozzart Sport.
Chess Kenya president stated Omondi would possible face a ban of “a number of years”.