Francis vows to defend chess title

The player has had a quiet year, failing to win any major competition.

Francis told Mmegi Sport yesterday that she has been concentrating on her schoolwork hence being off the radar. She said her plan was to compete in the Open Section but that would not be possible as she did not get enough preparation. She said her aim is to defend the title she won last year. Francis said playing against opponents from outside the country is always a motivation.