Lusaka, Zambia — Silverest Plaza Chess Club has won the 2026 Independence Cup after a pulsating finals day that saw 20 teams reduced to four, with both the final and third-place matches decided in playoffs.
*FINAL: Silverest Plaza Chess Club 3-3 Red Arrows (x2) — Silverest Plaza win in playoffs*
In a final for the ages, Silverest Plaza Chess Club and Red Arrows played out two consecutive 3-3 draws.
The first final was full of drama. Red Arrows were trailing 3-1 and on the brink. FM Chola Musonda lost a seemingly drawn game in the normal final match, and Red Arrows’ Captain won a crucial must-win game to force a remarkable 3-3 comeback and take the match to playoffs.
Silverest Plaza Chess Club held their nerve in the playoffs to be crowned Champions.
*THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF: Silverest Plaza B vs Lusaka B Chess Club*
The star of the day was *Linda Shaba* of Silverest Plaza B. With her team needing a win, she won a must-win game to force playoffs for third place. Silverest Plaza B went on to win the playoffs convincingly.
Lusaka B Chess Club, led by Timothy Kabwe and company, played excellent chess but lost at the last hurdle.
*FINAL STANDINGS:*
*1st Place: Silverest Plaza Chess Club — CHAMPIONS*
*2nd Place: Red Arrows*
*3rd Place: Silverest Plaza B*
*4th Place: Lusaka B Chess Club*
*TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS:*
– 20 teams entered, only four remained.
– Major Shock: Top seeds Lusaka Chess Club, boasting International Master Richmond Phiri, failed to make the final four.
– The tournament produced scintillating games of repute.
The organizing committee thanks all clubs, arbiters and supporters