Each scored an impressive 6.5 out of seven points. Thabo Gumpo of Naledi Secondary School lost just one game to win the boys Under- 21 competition, while Otshepo Seidisa of Maun Secondary School (MSS) won the inaugural girls Under-21 title. Khetho received P3,000, Lopang (P1,500), Gumpo (P1,000) and Seidisa (P800).
As expected, the open championship section, contested by seven men after Jona Chaka withdrew due to family commitments was a tough affair. The reduction in the number of rounds to two per day, requested by players in previous championships did the magic as they appeared fresh. Though Khetho won the title for an unprecedented third successive season, he did not have it easy. At the halfway stage, he trailed Baone Kealeboga by half a point. Kealeboga had won all his first four games but defeats to Khetho and then to Tebogo Pitlagano on Sunday put an end to his title aspirations. In the last round, Khetho took on tail-ender Tunde Akande when he was half a point ahead of Providence Oatlhotse who was pitted against Kealeboga. Khetho easily defeated Akande to seal first place while Kealeboga overcame Oatlhotse. Kealeboga and Oatlhotse tied in second place with five points and each received P1,500. Tie-break awarded the silver medal to Kealeboga.
The much-anticipated duel between Lopang and Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Tuduetso Sabure took place in the third round, when Sabure was trailing by half a point. Lopang outplayed the WGM to register an impressive win. Lopang played with extreme caution, and said afterwards that she did not want to give her adversary any chances of counterattack. The WGM finished second and received P800. Keenese Katisenge of University of Botswana completed the winners' list on third place and received P600.
In the Under-21 boys competition, Thabo Gumpo impressed many on his way to win the title. He said his opponents started games well but faded in later stages.
"They played better in the opening stage but when the game became difficult, they collapsed. I'm delighted to have won as I practised hard for this event," said Gumpo. He finished one point ahead of the ex-Gaborone Secondary School duo of Desmond Sesweu and Kagiso Molosiwa both on five. Each received P500 with Sesweu getting the silver. Seidisa was simply unstoppable in the Under-21 girls drawing just once in five rounds. She finished a full point ahead of Oleboge Nande of Maun Secondary School. Bame Masaba got bronze with three points.
Choice Pitso of Metropolitan Botswana said they were honoured to have staged the championships with Botswana Chess Federation (BCF).
"This is part of our social responsibility programme and it was deliberate on our part that it takes place at this risky time of long holidays. Through chess, we have managed to keep you away from the risks out there," Pitso told the participants.
She was impressed that many of the participants looked younger than 30, as her company is particularly interested in the development of young talent.
