Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
FOR the first time in history, a Bulawayo player has conquered the CBZ National Open Chess Championship – and his name is Tapiwa Jele.
The 27-year-old Jele, who is also the reigning Bulawayo Champion, clinched the title in Harare on Saturday after a nail-biting finish that saw him edge out Vitalis Mapuranga on count out, with both players tied on seven points.
Zhemba Jemusse claimed third place, also on count out, beating Roy Mwadzura.
Speaking after his triumphant return at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on Sunday, Jele was still soaking in the magnitude of his achievement.
“This is a big achievement for me. All the previous Bulawayo Championship winners have failed to win the National Championship. Last year I finished in seventh place and since September last year I have been preparing for this. I am extremely proud,” he said.
“I am also grateful to the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and sponsors for making this possible. I also want to thank the Bulawayo Chess Association for always supporting me. I never really expected to win because all the previous winners were there, so I thought one of them would win.”
Jele, who also runs the Elite Players Chess Academy in Bulawayo, has now cemented his name in the city’s sporting history.
Thamsanqa Moyo, director of ratings and registrations for the Bulawayo Chess Association (BCA), praised Jele’s grit and determination.
“On behalf of BCA and our chairman, Liberty Moyo, I want to congratulate Tapiwa Jele for his marvellous performance in the CBZ National Championships. We are really proud of him because history has been made. This is a huge motivation to young upcoming players,” said Moyo.
In the ladies’ section, Christine Makwena successfully defended her title to remain national queen of the board.
The week-long chess duel featured 20 of Zimbabwe’s top minds – 10 men and 10 women – battling it out for national glory.
And for Bulawayo… it was finally checkmate at the top!
