Ndawana, Oatlhotse square up in �Who�s Who?� chess battle
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 7, 2015 14:07
Ndawana lost to Oatlhotse at the Tsogo Millionaire chess tournament held in Johannesburg and now is eager for revenge. He told Mmegi Sport that he has long prepared for the tournament, as he does not expect a walk in the park when facing Botswana’s best.
Ndawana, who has been playing chess for eight years, said he has played three tough competitions this year and expects to use the lessons he picked up there to his advantage.
“I always urge young players to enjoy playing against the best players in the country. Not only to win but also to gain the much needed experience. When you win against such a player you are gratified,” he said.
Oatlhotse said with only the top-rated players facing each other in this tournament, it means even few mistakes will be punished.
“I know my opponents and they know less about me. Nonetheless, I know more about my inner play as well. I still use the same successful training together with mind and body strategies that I use when I play at international competitions,” said Oatlhotse. He stated that he does not fear any player, but he only has love for the game.
Another player, Moakofhi Notha said chess is his life and there are no special preparations that he needs for the weekend encounter. He said there is no nicer feeling than playing the best-rated players in the country.
The Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) spokesperson, Keenese Katisenge told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the tournament is meant to set the record straight as to who is the toughest chess player in Botswana. She said the event, which is the brainchild of the players, is meant to assist Oatlhotse prepare for the Millionaire chess tournament in Las Vegas, United States of America in October. By rating and performance, Oatlhotse is the highest player and arguably the best in the history of the country’s board game.
The other players who will battle it out are Notha, Thato Olebile, Baone Kealeboga, Barileng Gaealashwe, Thabo Gumpo, Bright Sinkamba and Mopati Jobe.
Olebile is tipped to cause an upset. The youngster was favoured to win this year’s national championships, but fell to Oatlhotse. Olebile is the Bulawayo Grand Prix and Maun International Open champion.