Kenyatta University student Joash “jojo” Agutu beat Mombasa’s top seed Harun Ahmed 3-2 in the final to emerge as the new eLigue1tour champion, during the tournament’s final held at Charter Hall, Nairobi.
The 23 year old showed his intentions early on by thrashing Collins Ngugi 7-1 in the last 8, before overcoming tournament favorite Harry Kappa 4-3 in the semis.
On the other side of the bracket Harun beat Sam Carter 1-0 in the last 8, then went on to deliver the shocker of the tournament by eliminating defending champion Eric “Demon” Ngige with a 4-2 scoreline.
Jojo’s win secures him Ksh. 25, 000 in prize money and a trip to Paris, France courtesy of French top tier league, the Ligue 1 McDonald’s while Harun earns Ksh. 15 000 for his runner-up finish.
It was redemption for Jojo as he had finished second last year, and he could not hide his joy,
“I am so happy. Last year, I bottled in the finals but clearly God’s time is the best. He wanted it this way, that I would win this year. I have worked so hard on this and it’s great to see the fruits of my work.” he said.
In the ladies exhibition category, teenage sensation Brillian “Bree” Nekesa was crowned champion after a domineering performance in category that featured the top 4 Kenyan female players.
The 14 year old thumped Bernice 7-0 in the semis before demolishing Shantel Njogu 9-2 in the finals in her debut on the big stage.
“I am so happy to make it as a champion in my first time of trying. I had some nerves playing on the stage for the first time, but my coach helped me calm down and stick to the plan.When I am composed, I can overcome any player.” she said
FULL RESULTS OF THE GRAND FINALE
MEN QUARTERS
Harry Kappa 4-3 Deto Gichimu
Joash Agutu 7-1 Collo Gamer
Harun Ahmed 1-0 Sam Carter
Eric Ngige 2-1 Prorate Kibet
MEN SEMIS
Joash Agutu 4-3 Harry Kappa
MEN SEMIS
Joash Agutu 4-3 Harry Kappa
Eric Ngige 2 – 4 Harun Ahemd
MEN FINAL
Joash 3-2 Harun
LADIES CATEGORY
Shantel Njogu 4-2 Bernice Burn
Brillian Nekesa 7-0 Shirley Ndirangu
FINALS
Brillian 9-2 Shantel
