Geophrey Sifani Sports reporter
BULAWAYO Chess Association (BCA) public relations director Russel Dzete hailed the high performance displayed at the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) Chess Open tournament held over the weekend. About 60 players competed in the tournament consisting of seven rounds. Zimbabwe’s number three chess player Kudakwashe Sibanda emerged as the winner after winning six games and drawing one.
“I’m happy to have won this tournament as I managed to recover from my loss in the Gweru tournament. I now have to prepare for my next tournament in Botswana later this month and I believe that I will make it there,” said Sibanda.
Runner-up Sifiso Ncube, who is the Zimbabwe candidate master, won six games and lost one to Sibanda.
“The tournament was tough. I had to face some of the best players in Zimbabwe, but I managed to beat them. Only Kuda was stronger than me but I’ve gained more experience and exposure. I’ave learnt more skills and moves that I can employ in my next games,” said Ncube.
Meanwhile, a new BCA executive board has been officially announced. The board will serve from September 2015 to August 2017.
Thabang Moyo is chairman, Gibson Manhuru vice-chairman, Moses Mutipforo (treasurer), Brighton Duburo (secretary-general), Russel Dzete (public relations) Dalithemba Ndlovu (director of arbitrations and ratings), Henry Samambgwa (director of development), Milton Ncube (director of youth chess) and Tessa Gurimhete (director of women’s chess).
ZSM open men results:
Score Bhlz TPR
Kudakwashe Sibanda 6.5 33.5 2137
Sifiso Ncube 6.0 29.5 1970
Tarcisio Chikandi 5.5 35.0 1906
Ntokozo Mangena 5.5 29.0 1886
Ronald Chimandzi 5.0 33.0 1867
Khumbulani Chirwa 5.0 30.5 1616
Women results
Score Bhlz TPR
Tessa Gurimhete 7.0 28.5 0
Viola Moyo 6.0 30.0 0
Wendy Kudyanyemba 5.0 29.5 0



