Masole gets FIDE title

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday May 26, 2015 11:56

The competition was held from April 18 to 25.

According to the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) spokesperson, Keenese Katisenge, the World Chess Federation (WCF) approved BCF title application recently.

She said Masole’s achievement means Botswana now has eight Candidate Masters. Masole joins Barileng Gaealafshwe, Thabo Gumpo, Moakofi Notha, Abhiram Sasitharan, Bompheletse Kebobone, Kagiso Morwamang and Oaitse Kokome.

Botswana currently has three FIDE Masters, one Woman Grand Master, four Women International Masters, one Woman FIDE Master and one Woman Candidate Master.

Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Masole said getting the title means a lot to him. He said it is not easy to get a FIDE title especially when a player is based in Botswana. He said the title would open doors for him because he can now play anyway in the world.

“The title has changed the way I play. I am forced to put an extra effort into my game to show that I have grown as a player. Other players now have to work hard to beat me. These will improve the standard of competition locally,” he said. The Black Bishops player said he is now preparing for the Gaborone Open tournament slated for next month. Masole said he expects the tournament to be tough because it attracts international players.  He indicated that he is not going to take anything for granted because he has to prove himself against the best players in the region.