Mosutha scoops Blitz Chess Championships title
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday February 19, 2024 14:23
The championships, which were held on Saturday at University of Botswana, were sponsored by Courier Afrique Ltd to the tune of P10, 000.
Mosutha made a strong comeback after losing to Thuso Mpene and Sebetela Gaasite to scoop the title with a score of 9/11 and pocket P2, 000, a gold medal and a trophy.
The tournament was played over 11 rounds, Mosutha won nine rounds while Mpene and Gaasite lost to other players. The win was a sweet revenge for Mosutha after being knocked out of the national team selections. Another shocker was Monnaatsheko Keletshabile, despite missing some rounds of the tournament, he made a comeback to snatch nine points and also pocketed P2, 000. The rising star, Mpene settled for position three and went back home P1, 000 richer.
The 15-year-old player pulled victories against seasoned player, CM Barileng Gaealafshwe and the former defending champion, David Mooketsi.
The women’s category was won by Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Naledi Marape, walking back home with P750 in her purse and a gold medal around her neck. Maya Otimile settled for the second position. Speaking to SportMonitor, Mosutha said Blitz is much fun, and anything can happen, adding that it is easier to play than normal classical chess. “The weekend tournament was competitive and fun above all. I always play those short time controls online daily, so that should be preparations enough to play decent. Well, winning this competition was just to comfort myself after being knocked out of the national team selection.
I was knocked out during the semi-finals, so my plan now is to focus on the upcoming national championships,” he said. Other results: FIDE Master (FM) Thato Olebile (Position four), Barileng Gaealafshwe (Position five), Oratile Kgotlane (Position six), Mothudi Arnold (Position seven) and Moagaesi Tshepo (Position eight). The players had all accumulated eight points and each received P250 in this category. Under 18 boys winner: Iphazha Masala. Under 18 girls winner: Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Natalie Banda. The two players each received P400 and medals.