Moyo captures 2013 Easter open

Cevan Murerwa who was the run away leader nearly took it after winning all his first nine rounds until the tenth round when he was swindled by the FIDE MASTER KOTOV Makoto to remain on 9 points. He exchanged all the pices remaining with only pawns and the Kings.

Makoto became stronger and stronger in the end and easily won the end game because of his space advantage and the advancement of the King taking Cevan's a-pawn and promoting the pawn eventually. In the final round he was paired against Spencer Masango who suffered a set back after losing to Gift Sithole earlier in the tourney. There was fire on board as the two met with Cevan remaining with a Bishop pair and a rook while Masango had twoo rooks and a Bishop.Cevan then ended on 9 points after Masango successfully converted the win in their game. On the other hand Dion Moyo had a tough game against Hamilton Mandeya in the tenth round which he won on time in a blitz ending. He then won his final round easily to earn his

9,5 points.Kennedy Katowa and Godwin Phiri are the Zambians who took part finishing with 7 points out of 11 rounds of play. Godwin Phiri was swindled by Makoto in the 7th round of play.Kennedy Katowa missed the first round and started in round two. The two are the former winners of the Zimbabwe Open Chess Championships.

The going was very tough for them this time. Spencer Masango, Lloyd Moyo and Phenias Sagonda all has 9 points.Byron Gurajena, Elisha Chimbamu, Lewis Kahoba and Emerald Mushore were closely behind with 8,5 points. There was a record turnout for this Easter Open with players jostling to play in the top boards which were difficult to remain on. Yours truly played a very interesting games with his younger brother Elisha earning a draw and John Chibvuri. Farai Masanganise was upset by Jeremiah Jekera in the first round of play.

Special prizes were given to Tafadzwa Kuze for being the youngest player,followed by Collins Mabodongwa, Kudakwashe Zimbowa was the best under 14 player with 7 points, followed by Takunda Mudzingwa of St. Georges College who had 6,5 points. Tinashe Mapfumo of St. Ignatius was close on 6 points. Jemba Jemuse was the best scholar with 8 points,while Tapiwa Gora was the second best with 7 points. Gora palyed a very interesting game against DR.PMhaka in the final round which Dr. Mhaka salvaged a draw.Colleta Wakuruwarehwa was the best lady with 8 points,followed by Charity Chiweshe who had 7 points. The next touney will be in the City of Progress, Gweru May 25-26. This will be a Grand Prix.

Meanwhile on the international scene Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Candidates tourney to challenge Vishy Anand of India for the World Chapionship match to be held sometime in November this year. Congratulations to the fastest growing Champion a prodigy groomed by Garry Kasparov the former World Chamion. This is a dream match, which the World wanted to watch and see the result!