Chess star needs P200, 000 for Las Vegas trip
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday July 28, 2015 13:28
Oatlhotse qualified for the tournament after winning the Tsogo Millionaire chess tournament that was held in South Africa last week. IM Oatlhotse won the tournament after beating IM Johannes Phela Mabusela of South Africa in a five minutes Blitz during the play-offs. IM Mwali Chitumbo of Zambia came third.
The overall winner at the Las Vegas tournament walks away with US$ 1 million (approximately P10 million). Addressing the media yesterday at the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) conference room, IM Oatlhotse said the funds are needed to purchase training materials such as chess software, magazines, digital clock and digital board. He said the best players from around the world would take part in the tournament. He said he was going to the tournament to win and not to add numbers. He explained that as part of his preparations, he would participate in four events; two of which will be played locally to improve his ratings.
“We have set up a team responsible for preparing for the Las Vegas trip. We believe that for me to perform well, all the assistance for the trip should be made before August 20th. The team is in charge of fund rising and other logistics. I think for me to do well, I should also get a coach who will sharpen my skills ahead of the tournament,” he said.
The Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) treasurer, Gofaone Baleseng said they are impressed by the performance of Oatlhotse. He pointed out that the player was the only International Master and he is poised to become the first Grand Master in Botswana. Baleseng said he has played in many international and local tournaments and has shown commitment to the game.
“He has demonstrated great commitment and strides to be the best in the sport. He has won all BCF major tournaments. The American tournament requires lots of preparations,” he said.
Baleseng said BCF is yet to inform BNSC about the player’s achievement. He also said the council has a programme aimed at assisting elite athletes.
Baleseng added that the federation intends to engage a coach for the player. IM Oatlhotse became the national chess champion in 2004 and has retained the title in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2015.
Russia Embassy representative, Oleg Guzik attended the announcement and pledged support for the BCF. Russia is a chess power house.