Onakoya with the feat, surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on Saturday, announced that he and his partner, Shawn Martinez have set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest marathon in a chess game.
He made this known via a post shared on his official X account, saying despite setting a new record, they are still gunning for the 60 hour mark.
The feat means Onakoya and his partner have surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018.
Speaking via his very social media page, Onakoya tweeted, “We have done it.
“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.
“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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As at the time of this report, the challenge, taking place at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has already exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes, firmly establishing Onakoya as the new record holder.
Also speaking on the contest, the new record holder stated that the chess marathon serves as a platform toraise funds and awareness for the education of underprivileged children across Africa, a cause championed by Onakoya’s foundation, Chess in Slums Africa.
According to a statement issued by the foundation, the event features a team of two players, with Onakoya being joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez, a US National Master and renowned New York City chess legend and coach.
“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) 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.
“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,” The statement reads in part..
