admin
Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
PHINEAS Sagonda won the second edition of the National University of Science and Technology Open Tournament held at Nust campus on Saturday. Bulawayo-based Sagonda held national team player Heath Darare of Harare to a draw which saw him winning the tournament with 6,5 points. He walked away with a cool $200. The tournament was organised by Bulawayo Chess Association (BCA) and boasted a turnout of over 160 players.
Bulawayo chess champion Castro Sibanda of Nust came second with six points to walk way with a consolation prize of $100.
Four other players namely Darare, Knowledge Ndlovu (Bulawayo Chess Club), Elvis Maphosa (Bulawayo Chess Club), and Victor Muchemwa (Gifford High School) also had six points but Sibanda was ahead on the Bucholtzs tie break system.
In the women’s section, Charleen Siyaphi conjured a major upset as she pipped tournament favourite Nomalungelo Mathe of Sizane High School.
Siyaphi had a fantastic run walloping all opponents to emerge with seven wins out of a possible seven. Mathe, who represented Zimbabwe in Romania in 2012, was second with six points.
Sibanda scooped the best Nust student award while Gifford High School pupil Muchemwa was crowned best high school scholar.
2013 South Africa Commonwealth champion Knowledge Ndlovu was awarded the best veteran prize while candidate master Mpumulelo Moyo of Harare was the best primary pupil.
BCA spokesperson Russel Dzute said the tournament was the best so far.
“The tournament was the best we have held in the city so far, both in terms of numbers and level of competition.
“We managed to attract over 50 ladies which was a record because usually they play with their male counterparts.
“We also had the national team players such Spencer Masango, Bismark Bhobhojani and Darare which was fantastic,” said Dzute.
He went on to praise local stars that stood the heat of the tournament.
“The going was tough but the Bulawayo guys were there with the best which shows that the standard has improved a lot, Ricky Malaba managed to disappoint Masango while Darare drew with Gifford pupil Bheki Ndlovu which is good,” he said.
Top 10
Seniors:
1. Phineas Sagonda (6.5 points)
2. Castro Sibanda (Nust 6.0 points)
3. Heath Darare (Harare, 6.0 points)
4. Knowledge Ndlovu (Bcc 6.0 points)
5. Elvis Maphosa (Bcc 6.0 points)
6. Victor Muchemwa (Gifford 6.0 points)
7.Nigel Mabiza (5.0 points)
8. Dalithemba Ndlovu (Polytehnic 5.0 points)
9. Kudakwashe Sibanda (Nust 5.0 points)
10.Khumbulani Chirwa (Nkulumane 5.0 points)
Scholars:
1. Sharleene Siyaphi (Mpopoma 7.0 points)
2. Nomalungelo Mathe (Sizane 6.0 points)
3. Phumuzile Moyo (5.5 points)
4. Chiedza Chiwanza (5.5 points)
5. Faith Ncube (Mpopoma 5.0 points)
6. Lenox Vundla (5.0 points)
7. Charlene Mguni (Mpopoma 5.0 points)
8. Nokuthaba Ncube (Montrose 5.0 points)
9. Buhlebenkosi Mzizi (5.0 points)
10. Bhekinkosi Dube (5.0points)
Bongani Ndlovu