Entertainment

Tunde Onakoya Sets 58-Hour New Chess Marathon Record, Pushes For 60-Hour

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess.

The chestmaster confirmed the achievement, on Saturday in a post on his official X account.

 

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He wrote, “We have done it.

“We’re pushing to 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

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“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.”

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Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018 and aimed to reach the 58-hour target.

The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and has already put him adrift of the previous record holders.

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The new record holder said 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.

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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.

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“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.”

After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.

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