Foreign players maintain chess dominance
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday October 31, 2017 15:03
International Master (IM) Providence Oatlhotse finished second in the Open Section followed by Candidate Master (CM) Clifford Masole. The women’s section was won by Woman International Master (WIM) Onkemetse Francis to pocket P2,000. Woman International Master Tshepiso Lopang came second with Kgomotso Ndachipiwa finishing third. The youth section (girls) was taken by Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Refilwe Gabatshwarwe followed by Ruth Otisitse and Badisang Loago came third.
The boys’ section was taken by Tshiamiso Seitiso, second place was claimed by Motheo Pheto and Thapelo Tsebetsame. The tournament was organised by Onkabetse Mogale, Mpaphi Moatswi and Losika Mogale of Staunch Megastars Club. The club’s assistant manager, Moatswi told Mmegi Sport that local players can only start winning against international players if they get more game time.
“Local players should start playing more tournaments especially those that are FIDE rated like the Moshupa Open. You must also realise that if we keep having such tournaments, our players will then start learning the tricks of the game and start winning against foreign players,” he said.
Moatswi said he was impressed by the turn out at the weekend tournament that was sponsored by Vice President, Mokgweetsi Masisi and Oscar Thebe of Dladleng Entertainment. He said all local top-rated players attended the event. He said that is good support and it also afforded Moshupa-based players to battle against the best players. He said in most instances the players are unable to get a chance to attend tournaments due to lack of resources. Meanwhile, Botswana Chess Federation will host Re Ba Bona Ha Youth Chess Tournament from November 4-5 at Mogoditshane Secondary School.
The tournament will be attended by primary, junior and senior secondary schools players. All the young players are scheduled to play individual tournament of seven rounds using the Swiss system as per the following age categories: Under eight: players born on or after January 1, 2009; Under 10 (players born on or after January 1, 2007); Under-12 (players born on or after January 1, 2005); Under-14 (players born on or after January 1, 2003); Under-16 (players born on or after January 1, 2001) and Under 18 (players born on or after January 1, 1999.)
The tournament is used as part of the youth national team selection.