Modongo strikes gold at Africa Champs
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday April 28, 2015 18:00
Botswana had sent three chess players to the tournament, who included Thato Olebile and Clifford Masole.
Modongo told Mmegi Sport yesterday she was excited about the win. Her best performance in the past competition has been a second place finish.
She has two bronze and silver medals from previous competitions. The player pocketed US$750 (approx. P7,500) for her efforts.
Modongo made it into the team just two days before the departure to Malawi. She said the late selection did not dampen her spirits.
“Upon arrival at the championship, I faced two highly ranked players. That had a bit of psychological impact on me and I had to beat them in order to progress,” she said.
Modongo started off with a quick checkmate over Malawian player, Tupokiwe Msukwa. After a sluggish second round, which ended in a draw, Modongo was in cruise control as she went to win the remaining seven games.
FIDE Master Olebile and Masole represented Botswana in the Open section. Masole, who was making his debut, managed 4.5 points out of a possible nine rounds.
On the other hand, Olebile finished eighth out of 22 players, winning five matches. Team manager, Roger Tiroyamodimo said he was impressed with the team performance.
He said competition was tough with the best chess players from the continent competing. He said Masole’s performance saw him gain the Candidate Master title.
He stated that the World Chess Federation (FIDE) is yet to make the confirmation. “This is a sign that our players are growing and that is good for us. Our development is taking a good direction,” he said.