When the two counterparts met Kelvin was the better player.Kelvin drew against International Master Rodwell Makoto in round 7.Our Zimbabwean chess sensation then faltered to Interanational Masters Gillian Bwalya and Daniel Jere respectively.What is interesting is that he drew against International Master Chitumbo Mwali who I believe is the strongest Zambian player among the ones who were around at the tourney.
Fifteen Zambians came to the tourney as well as International Master Providence Oatlhotse and Persson Abrantes the Mozambican competed for the first time.These participants made the tourney very tough in the absence of IM Robert Gwaze and Emerald Mushore it was very difficult for the Zimbabweans to stop the Zambians though some were stopped.Byron Gurajena defeated the former champion Godwin Phiri, while Thomas Zulu was clobbered by Farai Janyure.
Castro Sibanda defeated IM Gillian Bwalya in a pulsating game that was one of the tournament's best games. It was a talk of the day.Another high profile win was the one by Hamilton 'Bhudha ' Mandeya who demolished IM Providence Oathlotse of Botswana, he missesd a winning combination against Chumfwa and he lost the game.
Mufaro Mangono beat Spencer Masango in a tightly contested game which was full of fireworks which Mangono won in a blitz ending.Mangono then went on to beat Farai Janyure his Zimbabwean compatriot he then drew against Bright Muyenga of Zambia in an interesting Bishop ending in which Mangono could not gain tempo, his pawn would be promoted in a white square which was opposite the promotion square.Vteran Jona Chaka also competed in the tourney holding his own showing the youngsters how the positional chess is played.
He outplayed Anesu Mukwepa in a King's Indian Variation were he sacrificed his Queen and eventually won the game.Castro Sibanda 's fine run was stopped by Jazire Elijah when they drew, he then lost to Richmond Phiri of Zmabia in round7.Chitumbo Mwale,Castro Sibanda,Gillian Bwalya,Bright Muyenga,Mufaro Mangono,Daniel Jere,and Juda Simulundu all had 8,5 points tied on 4th position.Providence ,Ziome Munashe,James Dimba ,Farai Janyure and Zhemba Zhemusse were all tied on the 10th place with 8 points.
On special prizes, Zhemba Zhemusse of Seke 4 High school was the best scholar followed by Kuzimwai Baila of Budiriro High school.Epah Jere, Daniel Jere's wife was the best lady with 7,5 points.Colleta Wakuruwarehwa was the second best followed by Tatenda Zengeni.
The best under 14 prize went to Collins Mabodongwa and Kudzai Mhandu,while the best under 12 prize went to Rumbidzai Mawire and Mpumelelo Moyo.Ronald Chimanzi was the best over 40 player with 7,5 points.Eunice Chadehumbe was the oldest player of the tourney and she got her special prize.Gore Junior was the youngest player of the tourney.
Meanwhile,IM Makoto is the winner of the Grand Prix series with 57 points out of 60.He pocketed a cool $1000.Emerald Mushore came second followed by Bismarck Bhobhojani,Lloyd Moyo and Spencer Masango,Hamilton Mandeya,Elisha Thabo, Elisha Chimbamu and Lewis Kahoba.collected some cash for winning some Grand Prix.
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation expressed gratitude to the sponsors who made it possible for the tournament to be successful.He also announced that the first Grand Prix will be held in Mutare month end of February.
Post published in: Sport