He then swindled Deon Solomons of South Africa in the final round. His live rating has reached 2400. Kotov has been consistent, this follows his performance where he came second after Richmond Phiri of Zambia, in Malawi in Zonal 4.3 selection tourney. IM Chitumbo Mwali of Zambia came second with 6,5 points followed by Gavin Anderson of South Africa and IM Gillian Bwalya coming fourth. Makoto had a fine positional style of play but was very quick to take advantage of any tactical possibities which arose during the games or transposed into middle game or end game.
Meanwhile in the Fide RR section Eric Takawira of Zimbabwe was the winner followed by Brighton Mthunzi of Zimbabwe and Keila kaulule of Zambia in a nine round tourney. Takawira beat his compatriot Spencer Masango in their own game. Masango only managed to finish with 3 points out of the nine games of play. The above tournaments were organised and sponsored by Kasparov chess foundation Africa led by Graham Jurgen.
Meanwhile on the local scene Zimbabwe Chess Federation hosted a Grand Prix in Bulawayo which was won by Thato Olebile of Botswana with 6,5 points /7 games.He was tied with Elisha Thabo but had a superior butcholtz. Castro Sibanda and Sifiso Ncube had 6 points, while Kuadakwashe Sibanda, Simon Bokamoso(Botswana) and Lloyd Moyo all had 5,5 points.
Emerald Mushore, Elisha Chimbamu, Heath Darare, Nigel Mabhiza , Dion Moyo, Thabo Gumpo,and Lesole Pudugwane(Botswana), and Walter Maikokera all had 5 points. Sifiso Ncube was the best scholar while Tapiwa Jele of Nkulumane was the second best scholar. Nomalungelo Mathe was the best lady followed by Colletta Wakuruwarehwa. Sikulile Ncube of Sizane High school was the best under 14 player.
The tourney attracted 92 players and the results of the tourney shows that the level of chess is improving so much throughout the country and ZCF is doing its mission of spreading the game to the people. FA Clive Mpambela and Elton Mhangarayi ran the event which took place from May 1-2 at Eveline High school in Bulawayo. Grand Prixes in Masvingo, Gweru and Harare will complete the series. Watch this space for details.
Post published in: Sport