Stage set for national chess finals

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday March 24, 2016 12:26

 

Life insurance company, Metropolitan sponsors the tournament for P120,000. The men’s winner walks away with P10,000 while the women’s winner goes home P8,000 richer.

Top chess players in the country from both the Open and Women section will compete. Defending national champion, International Master, Providence Oatlhotse sailed through to the final sending out a warning to his competitors. He qualified for the final leading the section with 5.5 points out of a possible seven points after winning five games and drawing three against Otsile Mapini, Gomolemo Rongwane and Candidate Master Moakofi Notha.

Oatlhotse told Mmegi Sport yesterday he was ready to defend his title. He said as a player, he is always prepared. He said his readiness is beyond the championship because there are other upcoming competitions such as the World Chess Olympiad.

“Chess is a concept and I cannot say if it is growing in Botswana or not. It is up to an individual to decide which concept they want to focus on. On the day I will be ready to face any player that comes before me,” he said.

The women’s section will be everyone’s take after the defending champion, Woman Grand Master Tuduetso Sabure pulled out, citing personal commitments. It will be interesting to see how the likes of Woman International Master (WIM) Onkemetse Francis, WIM Boikhutso Mudongo and Woman FIDE Master Thapelo Francis will fare.

Upcoming players in Malebogo Keleapere, Mabedi Mbo, Leso Gorata, Kgomotso Ndachipiwa, Boitshepo Rebatenne, WCM Besa Masaiti and Boitumelo Radikoro are not to be ruled out because they might pull surprises on the chess board.

Other finalists in the Open section are: Otsile Mapini, Rongwane, Candidate Master (CM) Barileng Gaealafshwe, FIDE Master Thato Olebile, CM Oaitse Kokome, CM Notha, CM Thabo Gumpo and Baone Kealeboga.