BISMARK Bobojani from Harare clinched the second leg of the National Chess Grand Prix held at Chaplin High School in Gweru over the weekend.
EPHRAIM SHOKO
The National Chess Grand Prix, which ran under the theme: “Bringing chess to the people,” was organised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF).
Bobojani beat over 200 other contestants from across the country including other national team players to pocket $400.
ZCF president Charles Kuwaza expressed satisfaction at the level of competition exhibited at the tournament.
“It was a competitive tournament where new talent emerged and I’m impressed. If you can have unheralded players such as Bobojani managing to beat acclaimed chess players like Makoto (Rodwell), it shows that chess is growing in the country,” he said.
Tied on second position were Hamilton Mandeya and Nigel Mabhiza with six points each to claim the $250 prize money.
Dion Moyo, the winner of the first leg held in Mutare earlier this year, settled for fourth position together with International Master Makoto, Lloyd Moyo, and Elisha Chimbamu. For their efforts they took home $112 each.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Thabo Elisha, Spencer Masango, Anesu Masimba, Joe Sibanda, Kudakwashe Sibanda, Gibson Malije, and Tawanda Pondo were tied on eighth position with five points each to pocket $25 each.
Nine-year-old Kelvin Kuwaza, who was the youngest player at the tournament, stole the show after he came third in the Under-14 category.
Kuwaza won a special prize award of $20.
Tatenda Zengeni won the best lady player award and $100 while Thabo Elisha emerged the best local player to take home $40.
The best scholar award went to Shaun Rashirai who won $50 while Champion Zindere topped the Under-14 category to pocket $30 while second runner-up Brighton Ncube walked away with $20.
The third leg of the National Chess Grand Prix will be held in Masvingo next month.
