KELVIN Chumfwa of Zambia is the winner of the Zimbabwe Chess Open that ended at Causeway Post Office on New Year’s Day.
BY SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
He finished with 9,5 points out of 11 games of play. His compatriot Richmond Phiri also finished with 9,5 points, but came second on butcholtz. When the two counterparts met Kelvin was the better player.
Chumfwa drew against International Master Rodwell Makoto in round 7. The Zimbabwean chess sensation then faltered to International Masters Gillian Bwalya and Daniel Jere respectively.
Byron Gurajena defeated former champion Godwin Phiri, while Thomas Zulu was clobbered by Farai Janyure. Castro Sibanda defeated IM Gillian Bwalya in a pulsating game that was one of the tournament’s best games.
Another high-profile win was the one by Hamilton “Bhudha” Mandeya who demolished IM Providence Oathlotse of Botswana. Mufaro Mangono beat Spencer Masango in a tightly contested game.
Sibanda’s fine run was stopped by Jazire Elijah when they drew, he then lost to Phiri of Zambia in round 7.Chitumbo Mwale, Sibanda, Gillian Bwalya, Bright Muyenga, Mufaro Mangono, Daniel Jere and Juda Simulundu all had 8,5 points, tied on 4th position.
On special prizes, Zhemba Zhemusse of Seke 4 High School was the best scholar followed by Kuzimwai Baila of Budiriro High.
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Epah Jere, Jere’s wife, was the best lady with 7,5 points. Colleta Wakuruwarehwa was the second best followed by Tatenda Zengeni.
The best under 14 prize went to Collins Mabodongwa and Kudzai Mhandu, while the best under 12 prize went to Rumbidzai Mawire and Mpumelelo Moyo. Ronald Chimanzi was the best over 40 player with 7,5 points. Eunice Chadehumbe was the oldest player of the tourney and she got her special prize. Gore Junior was the youngest player of the tourney.
Meanwhile, IM Makoto is the winner of the Grand Prix series with 57 points out of 60. He pocketed a cool $1 000.
