Trailblazing Oatlhotse scores big

SYLVIAH DISELE
Correspondent | Friday October 5, 2012 00:00

 

He is a household name in chess with numerous titles under his belt and has represented the country since 2003, in the process winning the hearts of many chess followers.The captain of the national team was born 27 years ago and hails from Serowe. Oatlhotse is an employee at the Government Printing and Publishing Service where he works as an industrial designer.

He fell in love with chess in 2000 while studying at Phatsimo Junior School in Selebi-Phikwe. He is quick to point out that his then classmate, who is now a lawyer, introduced him to chess. From there he never looked back as he became the senior schools champion in 2002 and a year later he secured a position in the national team until now.

Oatlhotse standard international rating is 2267, nationally he is ranked number one whereas his blitz (speed chess) rating is 2283 and still number one locally. The young man says all theoretical motivated chess masters inspire him. 

Asked about his move to play chess over other sporting codes, Oatlhotse said,' I was never really somebody who loved sports. I was just carried away by watching others playing chess.'He has a long list of achievements.Oatlhotse is the first and only five-time (2004, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013) national chess champion.

Furthermore, he has also featured in each final since 2003. In addition, he has a silver medal from the Zone 4.3 competition, which earned him the IM title. The ambitious Oatlhotse told Mmegi Sport that he wants to play or sign for a strong club locally or internationally that would allow him to play alongside motivated players who bring results. His target before the Olympiad held in Turkey and the Botswana Closed was to reach a rating of 2,300. 

After that he added that he might give others a chance to shine as he will go into semi retirement after attaining the +2,300 rating.' If I reach the desired performance it will be the right time to step down, not out of fear but to protect the rating from intruders who want to snatch the points by drawing a game; so I will resume play if I only get support to play stronger opposition rated above 2200 locally, regionally or internationally.'