Mwali Defends Chess Title
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday October 5, 2015 10:12
The Zambian was winning the tournament for the second time in a row and pocketed P8, 500. International Master, Providence Oatlhotse of Botswana came second while Candidate Master, Barileng Gaealafshwe was third.
Mogale Onkabetswe won the Open Section with Motudu Aobakwe coming second with Lesabe Lesabe taking the third spot.
Woman International Master (WIM) Boikhutso Mudongo made sure that the Women Section title remained in the country.
Another local, Malebogo Keleapere came second followed by Woman International Master, Tshepiso Lopang in the third position. WIM Onkemetse Francis who was the defending champion finished fourth.
Woman Candidate Master, Naledi Marape continued with her good run in the board game as she won the junior title.
Afterwards, Mwali told Monitor Sport that while he was grateful to have defended his title, the competition was not a walk in the park, as he had to put up a strong fight to grab the title.
“I finished tied with Oatlhotse on points which is a clear sign that this was no child play. Botswana players have improved a lot and that is a welcome development,” said Mwali.
Oatlhotse, on the other hand, refused to grant an interview, instead referring the Monitor Sport to his personal assistant.
Happy to share her thoughts was Mudongo, who said she found the tournament long and tough.
“On Saturday I was trailing by half.
I had to stage a comeback yesterday to win the championship,” she said.
Experience was vital in helping her win the title, she said.
Debswana Mining Company sponsored the tournament, which has been running since Independence Day, to the tune of P80, 000.
In addition to local champions, the tournament had drawn internationals from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The chief arbitrator, Vincent Masole said he was impressed with the players’ understanding of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) laws. He said even the young players played according to the laws and that the level of play was high.
For his part, the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) president, Tshenolo Maruatona said the tournament is the biggest in the calendar.
He noted that the championship has shown tremendous growth this year.