Though Anquandah Francis Eric had the same number of points as Cameroonian born Amba Marius, he had the edge because he won more victories.

Anquandah Francis Eric from Ghana emerged champion of the zone 4.4 chess individual championship which took place in Yaounde from November 21 to 29, 2014. He scored 7.5 on 9 points to win not only the trophy but also the title of international master.

The second, Amba Marius Claude Oyon from Cameroon also scored 7.5 points but was outsmarted by Anquandah for having scored more victories. He however also won the title of international master. Agbor John also from Cameroon came third and earned the title of master Fide.

In the female category, Rabiu Olabisi from Nigeria lifted the trophy scoring 5.5 on 6 points. She was followed by Ayiku Angela Naa Amerly from Ghana and Edoh Ama from Togo in the second and third positions respectively with 2.5 and one point.

Speaking the closing ceremony of the tournament, the president of the Cameroon chess federation who also happens to be the president of zone 4.4, Colonel Michel Nguele Viang, said he was happy Cameroon won three master fide titles.

He however said the zone was the weakest in Africa and urged the athletes to step up their game in preparation for the next edition of the tournament which will take place next year in Lome-Togo.

The Togo event he said was particularly important in that it will serve as qualifiers for the world championship to take place in Baku-Azerbaijan in September.

He also disclosed that the first edition of the African circuit grand prix will take place next year regrouping the various zonal champions.