President Bola Tinubu and other prominent citizens have backed chess Grandmaster, Tunde Onakoya, in his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest unbeaten chess marathon, The PUNCH reports.
Onakoya’s 58-hour quest to break the Guinness World record for the longest unbeaten chess marathon began Wednesday April 17 at 10am in Times Square, New York and according to Tiltify, he is scheduled to conclude at 8pm on Friday (US time today).
The current Guinness World record for the longest chess marathon stands at 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds and was set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018.
As at the time of filing this report, the chess maverick had gone over 30 hours winning a whole handful of the games played.
Reacting to Onakoya’s Guinness World Record attempt, Tinubu simply wrote on X, “Checkmate the world Tunde Onakoya.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima added, “We are not only proud of the ambition of the chess maverick, Tunde Onakoya, in his attempt to break the Guinness World record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game, but also of his humanitarian interventions and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage through this game of brilliant minds.
“Mr Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both at home and abroad and we stand with him in spirit as he captivates the world from Times Square, New York City. Go, make history and inscribe our name in gold.”
Immediate past Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, also lauded the chess player, displaying a picture of himself and Onakoya playing chess.
“Best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: ‘It is possible to do great things from a small place.’
“Let your dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you –show the world the strength and determination you’re made off! God bless you.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, also tweeted, backing Onakoya to set the new record.
“Good luck Tunde Onakoya. We are all rooting for you,” he wrote.
Equally reacting to Onakoya’s Guinness World Record attempt, the US Mission in Nigeria wrote on its X handle, “Best wishes to @Tunde_OD on his knightly mission to break the world record for the longest chess marathon without losing a game!
“We’re thrilled to cheer him on as he makes history in the heart of Times Square and brings hope to children who dream of a brighter future through education.
“Go Tunde!”
