Nigerian chess expert, Tunde Onakoya, has praised his counterpart from the United States, Shawn Martinez, after completing their 60-hour game to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
PUNCH Online reported that a statement by Onakoya’s foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, disclosed that the pair, both National Masters in chess, competed against each other throughout the challenge, and they will both have the record title.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Onakoya applauded Martinez’s role in their success.
He wrote, “Dear Shawn, there’s no world record without you.
“Together, for 60 hours, we showed the world what true collaboration means, triumphing over competition.
“We supported each other during difficult moments, both mentally and physically. And you did it with so much grace.”
Onakoya further expressed his gratitude to Martinez by referring to him as “brother” and congratulating him on their shared achievement.
He added, “This is a public acknowledgement and gratitude to you, my brother. Congratulations on our shared achievement.”
The pair surpassed the record set by Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours, 09 minutes, and 37 seconds in 2018.
Onakoya had revealed that his goal was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
