Unsung chess sensation Reuben Salimu romped to victory in the South African Western Province Blitz tournament on the 12th of October 2010.
Salimu, who claimed the bronze position on Board 2 for the overall tournament, was playing for Athena Chess Club. The tournament was hosted by Goodwood Chess Club and attracted 18 teams from the crme de la crme of chess here in Cape Town.
From opening, the Zimbabwean put up a sterling performance winning four rounds in a row before being slowed down by an International master on round five and running out of time on round six to finish on 7 out of 9. After the tournament, the humble Salimu said, This is just the beginning for Athena and I am just glad to be part of a Club which does not limit itself to only the sport aspect of the game but is also looking at community development in the same process.
The Zimbabwean dominated Athena Chess Club made its debut as a team on the same event and made it into top ten on the seventh position after battling out Western Capes chess powerhouses. The team was made up of Daud Amin on board one, Reuben Salimu on board two, Annie Salimu on board 3, Congolese national Cedrick Nekulenga on board 4 and Zambian Henry Maketo on board 5.
Team captain Daud Amin had this to say after the tournament, Im a very happy man. I know if we practice more than we are doing we can go for gold. The team was saluted by the Cape Towns chess fraternity after the event for standing up to the giants on a debut appearance.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News