Sports
BREAKING: Tunde Onakoya Breaks 56-Hour Chess Marathon Record (video)
Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on Saturday set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess; making Nigeria proud.
The chestmaster confirmed this in a post on his official X account.
He wrote, “We have done it.
“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.
“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.
“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.”
Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours 9-minutes in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target.
GWG.ng understands that the challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours record of the Norwegian duo.
Onakoya explained that his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.
It read in part, “This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.
“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”
“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.
After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.
Watch video of fans cheering below 👇
Meanwhile, Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold, have all applauded and shown support for Onakoya to break the new record.
See post below 👇
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG