Dark horses clinch chess titles
Larona Makhaiza | Saturday May 6, 2023 06:00
The Botswana Chess Federation (BFC) public relations officer, Thompson Modisane said the tournament provided some entertaining moments as underdogs emerged victorious.
Barileng Gaealafshwe failed to retain his title in the Open section while favourite, Providence Oatlhotse also emerged empty-handed. “The tournament really turned out well.
We have new champions in both sections that most people did not really tip for victory in the tournament,” Modisane said. Gomolemo Rongwane came out tops in the Open section, defeating Keletshabile Monnaatsheko.
Monnaatsheko ended up settling for a bronze medal. Modisane said Rongwane was never the favourite, as Oatlhotse was tipped to walk away with the crown as he went into the tournament as the leading player. Rongwane put on a scintillating performance and defied the odds by fairing well against tough opponents he had to face on his way to winning the championship.
“Rongwane won by eight points out of the possible nine that was up for grabs,” added Modisane. Modisane said things went south for the overwhelming favourite, Oatlhotse when he drew level with outgoing champion Gaealafshwe. “Oatlhotse was leading the tournament from day one until he played against former champion and the experienced Gaealafshwe who drew with him and ruined his chances of winning and that gave Rongwane the chance to win and lead the tournament for the first time,” Modisane added. For winning the tournament, Rongwane walked away with P11,000, Oatlhotse with P8,000 and Monnaatsheko pocketed P6,000.
Meanwhile, in the women's section, Natalie Banda also won the tournament for the first time. “In the ladies’ section, we have Women Candidate Master, Natalie Banda who is the new champion and she did this at the age of only 16,” Modisane said. Banda won the championship by 7.5 points out of a possible nine. Just like Rongwane, Banda was never the favourite to win the championship. “Naledi Marape, who is currently the Sport Woman of the Year was leading the pack from day one making her the favourite to win,” he said.
But that all changed when Marape had to face Banda. Banda triumphed, which brought her on level terms with Marape. But Banda was ahead of the pack courtesy of head-to-head which put her in a great advantage. Banda faced Dolly Thapelo in the deciding game and she went on to win the game, which meant she emerged as the tournament winner. Marape finished second while Arona Moshoboro was placed third with 5.5 points. Modisane said the tournament went well and met expectations with no complaints registered during the competition.