Competition gets tough for Botswana chess players
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday June 25, 2014 15:24
In the open section on Sunday, Candidate Master Barileng Gaealafshwe drew against Handjaba McLean of Namibia while Candidate Master Thato Olebile and Thabo Gumpo lost to Dimba James and Shidolo Simon Hatwiikulipi respectively.
Gumpo replaced International Master Providence Oatlhotse who was unable to travel with the team. In the female section, Women FIDE Master Kgalalelo Botlhole grabbed her second win of the tournament on Monday against Frick Denise of South Africa.
She had won her first game against Ana Malenda of Mozambique. Women FIDE Master, Thapelo Francis recorded her first loss on Monday against Domingos Maria of Angola.
She had won her first match against Rauha Shipindo of Namibia. Women Candidate Master, Onkemetse Francis continued the pattern losing the second game after a win in the first round.
The tournament ends next week Thursday.
Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) spokesperson, Keenese Katisenge told Mmegi Sport that since Oatlhotswe was unable to travel with the team, they had to rope in Gumpo at the last minute. She explained that Gumpo was unable to play in the first round.
The national team left for Namibia without a coach.
“Our national team does not have a coach yet, players use their personal coaches who remain behind when they go for international tournaments,” she said.
The Zone 4.3 Championships will serve as preparation for the 2014 Chess Olympiad slated for Tromso, Norway in August. Katisenge explained that winners in each section would have the right to participate at the Africa Individual Championships later this year. She said the winners at the tournament will be awarded titles.
During the last edition in 2013, Francis and Olebile were awarded WFM and CM titles respectively by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) after impressive performances.