Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
ZAMBIAN International Master Gillian Bwalya and Tanaka Dziyanyi were crowned the inaugural JR Mawere International Chess Open Championship winners at Kwekwe High over the weekend.
The duo were part of a large contingent who took part in the tournament.
Bwalya, who also won the Easter Open Darts tournament, continued his dominance over local players but got a good run for his money as he finished tied with Justin Daka, Kenneth Rukacha and Michael Kaoma on 6,5 points.For his efforts Bwalya walked home US$700 richer.
“I am happy to have won my second tournament in Zimbabwe this year and I am happy with the level of competition.
“There is a lot of improvement from the players and they gave me a good challenge,’ said Bwalya.
In the women’s section Dziyanyi, who is currently based in Zambia where she is studying, beat Colletta Wakuruwarewa into second place.
Itayi Madicha, the tournament chief organiser, said they are happy that they have taken the tourney to a higher level.
“This event marks a new chapter for us as JR Mawere and Zimbabwe Chess and we take pride in the numbers that came to support this event from our neighbouring countries.
“As JR Mawere, we are a partner that supports the initiatives of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and we are happy with our first international tournament.”
