Published: February 26, 2025
Monrovia – The United States Masters Chess League (USMCL), in collaboration with the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF), has concluded the first stage of its 2025 qualification process.
The qualifier, held from February 22-23 in Monrovia, saw three Liberian chess players advancing to the final qualifying round later this year.
With over twenty players competing for spots in the next round, current Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) champion Leroy Debblay, FIDE Master Jacob Jallah, and Kennedy Kengo secured the top three positions required to advance to the playoffs.
Debblay emerged as the winner with eight points from nine games, followed by Kengo with seven points, while Jallah finished third with six points, completing Liberia’s trio for the next stage.
According to organizers, who made some late adjustments to the qualification structure, the top three players from each country will proceed to a continental qualifier known as the League Chess Africa online qualifier.
They also revealed that the Most Valuable Player (MVP) from each country will qualify to represent Kente Royals, the African team registered in the U.S. Masters Chess League.
Additionally, changes to the tournament format include financial incentives for participants in the League Chess Africa (LCA) Qualifier. Players will receive US$200 for a match win and US$100 for participation if they lose.
The country’s representative in the final stage will spend one month in the United States and will receive a US$2,000 stipend for upkeep during their stay.
Speaking at the closing ceremony late Sunday night, LCF President Thomas Karyah encouraged the three players to give their best and make Liberia proud.
“With God by our side, we urge you to go and represent not just LCF, but Liberia as a whole,” he said.
Karyah also emphasized that participation in the U.S. Masters Chess League presents a valuable opportunity to further develop chess in Liberia.
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