According to BCF acting CEO, Neoyame Katisengehe, the tournament will bring together all chess players across the country who seek to start the year on a good note. Defending champion Fide Master Phemelo Khetho will have a busy time as he aims to retain the title.
The country's only International Master, Providence Oatlhotse will also compete at the event. Oatlhotse is one of the most feared chess players in the country and the only local player to have won the national championship four times.His aggression on the board will be met by the most feared defensive player in the country, FM Ignatius Njobvu.Njobvu's confidence is still beaming following his splendid performance at the Chess Olympics.Some chess pundits argue that CM Barileng Gaealafshwe might walk away with the title. Gaealafshwe's claim to fame is his meticulous end game play and his maturity on the board. An interesting development is the sudden improvement in strength amongst the younger players. The likes of Thato Olebile, Thabo Gumpo and Puso Mabetu have set a reputation as giant killers.
