The 25-year-old Kenyan chess player took a risk by dressing up as a woman to compete in his country’s female open chess competition. Stanley Omondi had registered as Millicent Awour, dressed entirely in a burka and wearing spectacles. However, Omondi’s audacious strategy was revealed when the organizers became suspicious of the unknown player’s success.
In his defense, he later stated that he had “financial needs” in an apologetic letter obtained by the BBC. He also stated that he is “ready to accept all consequences.” Omondi did not respond to a request for comment from the BBC.
Chess Kenya president Bernard Wanjala stated that while he was likely to face a “several years” ban, he would not be barred from playing chess indefinitely.
“We didn’t have any suspicion at first, because wearing a hijab is normal,” Wanjala told the media
“But along the way, we noticed he won against very strong players… and it will be unlikely to have a new person who has never played a tournament [being very strong].”
Chess player’s gender deception raises concerns and prompts ejection from the tournament
Concerns were raised by his footwear and the fact that Omondi did not talk.
“One of the red flags we also noticed [was] the shoes, he was wearing more masculine shoes, than feminine,” Wanjala said.
“We also noticed he was not talking, even when he came to collect his tag, he couldn’t speak, ordinarily, when you are playing, you speak to your opponent… because playing a chess game is not war its friendship.”
Despite their worries, officials permitted him to continue, fearful of being accused of profiling due to his religious dress, and only ejected him in the fourth round.
“When he advanced, after he won a very strong match and we called him, he was not surprised,” according to Wanjala.
“He acknowledged that indeed he is a man. He regrets what happened, apologized, and said he was only doing that because he had financial difficulties and thought winning the title will help him overcome.”
He believed his chances would be better in the women’s category due to the greater level of play in the men’s category
The Kenya Open, which was held last week, is an annual competition based in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. This year’s event drew nearly 400 participants from 22 countries. Ninety-nine ladies entered the women’s division, with the winner taking home more than $3,000 (£2,400).
Omondi is a well-known chess player, but Wanjala feels he believed his chances would be better in the women’s category due to the greater level of play in the men’s category of the event. While Kenya’s chess federation has dealt with cases of age fraud in the past, this is the first of its sort. The case has been referred to the organization’s disciplinary committee, which is scheduled to rule within the next several days.
“It is an extreme case, the verdict may include a ban. I rule out a life ban, but he may be given several years’ ban from playing chess,” Wanjala explained.
He further stated that the case would be referred to the international federal court.