were battling it out to determine the African champion. The top six in the final standings qualified for the 2007 World Cup in Khanty Mansyisk, Russia from 29-30 September.
Gwaze won the African championship an undefeated 7-2 with five straight wins bringing back shades of his 9-0 romp at the 2002 Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia. That performance earned him a gold medal and put him in the Olympiad history books.
Three chess players represented Zimbabwe. International Master Kudzai Mamombe failed to qualify for the World Cup, after finishing in position 35. There was no place for Rodwell Makoto, who finished in position 22 and will not be going to the World Cup.
Fourteen federations were represented at the championship.
Gwaze’s lead proved insurmountable as the Zimbabwean was aided by upset victories dealt to the Egyptians and a fortuitous win over GM-elect Amon Simutowe in round five.
Gwaze offered Simutowe a quick draw, but the Zambian decided to go the distance and Gwaze emerged triumphant in an exciting battle involving a queen sacrifice. Gwaze closed the tournament with four draws and claimed the championship crown with a 7-2 score. – CAJ News
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News