Top Zimbabwean chess player Robert Gwaze clinched top spot at the Prestige B Section of the Capablanca Open Chess Festival which ended in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday.
International Master (IM) Gwaze, who led from the first day last Friday, finished on 8,5 points ahead of South African Shabir Bhawoodien, who finished on 6,0 points.
Other South Africans Calvin Klaasen (6,0) and Johan Steenkamp (5,0) were third and fourth respectively.
Gwaze, who had the highest rating of 2 460 in his section needed an outright 9 out of 9 win in his section to prevent loss of rating points which could threaten his bid for a Grand Masters title.
The All-Africa Games gold medalist won eight of his nine matches and drew only one to finish a clear 2,5 points ahead of his South African rivals.
Another Zimbabwean, Rodwell Makoto, who was vying for the title of International Master, narrowly missed acquiring the tag after finishing third in the Prestige A section.
Makoto finished on 5,5 points behind IM Watu Kobese (6,0) and Johannes Mabusela (5,5) both from South Africa.
Makoto needed to score 6,5 points out of nine games to acquire an IM Norm.
- 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
Despite finishing level on points with Mabusela, Makoto had to settle for third as his rival held on for a draw when the two players met yesterday.
The event attracted players from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
The tournament was an IM Norm tournament where top performers had the chance to get the title of IM. The title IM is awarded to strong chess players who would have achieved a rating of at least 2 200. Instituted in 1950, it is a lifetime title.
After becoming an IM, most professional players set their next goal as becoming a Grand Master
