He finished with 6.5 points out of 7 games of play. Matthew Mhlanga failed to win this one because of the stiff competition from Laison Jasi, Ethan Lavandale, Nathan Jasi as well as the winner Tanatswa Kufeni who took the championship home. He played some very solid chess during the tourney such that it was easy to draw than to lose in his games.
In round one he played against Mutsiwa Munashe who had the white pieces and he won before playing against Matereke Lattoyain round two with the white pieces and he won the game convincingly.He then faced tough opposition against Maximo Chikomo of St. Ignatius College who he defeated with the black pieces after defending very well.
Kufeni was to meet Bonface Rwakuda in round four with the white peices and as the attacker he set the tone of the game gained tempo and controlled the game very well after having a lion’s share of the centre the result was in favour of Tanatswa Kufeni who made no mistake in the game and made sure that the point was taken. In round five he met Ethan Lavendale in a tightly contested game and the two players had a draw after careful play from both sides. Kufeni defended very well and ensured that the game result was a draw. Then there was another tough game against Jasi Laison who had the white pieces but he failed to control the game as the pacesetter and leaving Kufeni to take the game on a silver platter. This made Kufeni to be the sole leader.
On the other board Lavendale was surprised by Munyama Bradley who played some very good chess and seems to be showing some very good signs of improvement since the African Schools Chess Championships which was hosted by Zimbabwe sometime last year at the Rainbow Towers. In the final round Kufeni defeated Marumbini Daniel in the final round to claim the title with 6.5 points. Jasi Laison came second with 6 points followed by Marumbini Daniel, Mawire Tawananyasha, Sonazi Panashe, Chikomo Maximo, Mazhara Anesu, and Mhlanga Matthew all had 5 points out of seven games played.
Chikwvaire Patricia was the best under 12 girl player , while Seraf Munyurwa got a special prize as a best under 14 girl playing against the boys in the same pool.Madamombe Tinaye finished with three points after losing his final round game against Ethan Lavendale. The level of chess is improving at all levels in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile our players Spencer Masango and Christine Makwena are taking part in the zonals 4.3 taking part in Mozambique. We wish them all the best in this tournament. More news in the next article. Hoep you enjoyed your Easter holiday!
Post published in: Featured