Local women show class at Chess Olympiad

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Wednesday September 29, 2010 00:00

The win came after the team held Nigeria to a 2-2 draw, thanks to the exploits of Fide Master (FM) Boikhutso Mudongo and Tshepiso Lopang. The last two impressive showings by the team followed a not so inspiring performance against Ecuador and Taipei in round three and four, where only Mudongo and Lopang managed draws.

In round two, the women registered an emphatic 4-0 victory over Seychelles, after falling to Holland by the same margin in the opener. Tuduetso Sabure, her sister Ontiretse, Lopang, Mudongo and Keitumetse Mokgacha make up the team.

Meanwhile, the Botswana men's team dropped to number 62 in the standings after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Honduras in round six. Only Ignatius Njobvu salvaged a point in the loss. He was the only Botswana player to avoid defeat against mighty Russia when he managed a draw in round five. In the opening game, Botswana men were beaten 4-0 by Vietnam but they recovered admirably to whip Cyprus 3-1 in round two. They lost 2-1 to Jordan in round three with Phemelo Khetho and Providence Oathotse notching draws. In round four, Botswana beat neighbours, Namibia 4-0. In round seven, Botswana was scheduled to play another African side, Madagascar.

The Botswana men should not feel bad after losing to strong sides like Vietnam and Russia, both of whom are among favourites for the gold.

Other African teams competing at the Olympiad are Uganda, Libya, Algeria, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Madagascar, Mali, Ghana, Rwanda, Burundi, Senegal and Angola.