Sabure shuns local chess, focuses on Africa
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday March 16, 2016 14:32
Sabure told Mmegi Sport this week that she felt the schedule for the qualifiers were not convenient for her to compete. She said her plan is to compete in Africa and shift focus from the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) competitions. She said competition outside is better and it is good to build her strength.
“I have decided to play outside the country so that I can grow as a player. There is money outside, but that is not my target. I am playing for the love of the game,” she said. Sabure said she does not share the same vision with BCF regarding chess.
When asked about her vision and the state of chess, Sabure made it clear that she does not want to be involved in politics. BCF president, Tshenolo Maruatona said they provide platform for players to play both locally and outside. He said they fund those who perform well to compete internationally citing a recent development where BCF will sponsor 10 players for the Chess Olympiad. He said he has never engaged Sabure on her decision. Meanwhile, Woman Candidate Master, Naledi Marape and Kutlwano Tatolo have been knocked out of the Metropolitan finals that will be held over Easter holidays at the Oasis Motel in Tlokweng. Marape finished the second qualifiers in position 15 with 2.5 points. Tatolo failed to make it to the finals despite finishing top in the first round qualifiers. The player finished 12th with 3.5 points. International Master Providence Oatlhotse qualified top of the Open section with 5.5 points out of a possible seven after winning five games and drawing three against Otsile Mapini, Gomolemo Rongwane and Candidate Master Moakofi Notha.
The tournament saw the top 23 players from the Open section and 17 from the Women’s section that qualified in the first stage battle it out for slots in the finals. The winner of the open section will pocket P10,000 while the women’s champion will go home P8,000 richer.
Players who qualified
for the finals are:
Open section: Mapini, Rongwane, Candidate Master (CM) Barileng Gaealafshwe, FIDE Master Thato Olebile, CM Oaitse Kokome, CM Notha, CM Thabo Gumpo and Baone Kealeboga.
Women’s section: Woman International Master (WIM) Onkemetse Francis, Malebogo Keleapere, Mabedi Mbo, WIM Boikhutso Mudongo, Woman FIDE Master Thapelo Francis, Leso Gorata, Kgomotso Ndachipiwa, Boitshepo Rebatenne, WCM Besa Masaiti and Boitumelo Radikoro.