GM Baba Sy: World Checkers Champion
I have written a few stories about draughts (checkers) on The Chess Drum. What is amazing is that players of African ancestry have a formidable presence in the game with many Grandmasters in French-speaking Africa. One of the best players ever is Baba Sy (pronounced “see”), a Senegalese master who would become World Champion. I recently found a YouTube video of him giving a world record simul. I was astounded by a couple of combinations on the video. The video is in Dutch.
You can read more about Grandmaster Baba Sy at the links below:
The Chess Drum, “GM Baba Sy: 1st African Checker World Champion”
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I like the way he moves the checkers… Smooooth 😆
Way to go .
Congrat to baba sy and all senegalese.
Happy EID to all senegalese.
Lovely video!! Baba sy opponents is reminiscent of the hypermoderns of chess with their suspiciously classical ideas, The Chess Drum stirkes again!
That does it…I am going to master checkers! This video is out
of control. I have never seen checkers played with so much
vision. Also, I have never experienced a checker tournament
so I am truly inspired!
Great thanks!!!!
Baba Sy is a wonderful inspiration and simply Sick!!
They played different board games, but In terms of talent, I would say that Baba Sy, the Senegalese Draught Wiz and World Champion, was probably equally talented as any of the big names in chess. The video speaks for itself.
Why can’t we tie together the chess talents in the African community? Interesting question. In my opinion, one of the reasons is because in the African community we appreciate talent, but a lot of us are unwilling to help if it means to reach in our pockets. Secondly, some of us are still hauling the state of mind of misery Loves Company and will tear you down each time you try to take a step forward instead of helping you move forward. Thirdly, the mentality of wanting to remain the only one remains an impasse. Lastly, with few exceptions, we have to understand that others are not going to enthusiastically help nurture the chess talents of our community; that’s our job.
@ Daaim, for sure Baba sy was a genius! since seeing his video, I took a picture of him and had Josh post it in his room.