Mosenya wins 2016 chess season opener

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday February 2, 2016 14:53

Mosenya accumulated 6.5/7 points to walk away with the championship. He finished joint top with Zambian, Kela Kaulela but clinched the title on a tiebreaker.

Another local, Albert Sanda of Botswana finished third with six points. Mosenya pocketed P3,000.

Sonia Modi of South Africa defended her title in the women’s section, scoring 7/7 points. Modi returned home P2,000 richer. Second position went to Termaine Chizikane of Zimbabwe with 5.5 points while third position went to Woman International Master (WIM) Onkemetse Francis who scored 5.5 points. WIM Boikhutso Modongo came forth with five points. In the youth section, Udiyanoor Sreejit (boys) and Besa Masaiti (girls) were crowned as champions.

The tournament opened the Botswana chess calendar on a high note with a representation of five federations being Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The tournament saw 209 chess players compete.

Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Mosenya said he had spent the whole of last year preparing for 2016. He said winning the year opener was a good way of starting the year.

“I attended some tournaments in South Africa. It is now time for me to reap what I sow. I expect results to come now.

The competition was tough because of players from outside the country. The absence of International Master Providence Oatlhotse meant there was no competition from local players,” said Mosenya.

The tournament received cash assistance of P20,000 from Airfficiency (PTY) LTD, an increase from P15,000 from last year. The company has been supporting the tournament for the past six years.