daniel chigunwe
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
CHEZIYA High School successfully defended the Crystal Schools boys’ national chess title after beating more than 10 other participants at Cornelius Hope Academy in Harare on Saturday.
The team, which also won the same tournament last year, managed to win all their eight games and were ahead of Mbizo High, who recorded six wins.
St Francis of Assis, St Georges, Allan Wilson and St Faith were all tied in third place, having won five matches apiece.
Seke 1 High was on seventh place tied with Zezani Secondary.
The girls section was won by Liebenberg who were victorious in six games out of the eight they took part in.
The Mashonaland West-based Liebenberg finished ahead of Girls High who were also on 27 points. Gokwe-based Cheziya came in third place in the women’s section. Thekwane were fourth as Mary-ward completed the top five.
The primary school’s boys section was dominated by Runyararo Primary school, who also won the girls title.
Budiriro Primary were second runners-up in the boys’ section with six points as St Noah Primary were tied with Gwehava who had five points.
Alfred Beit completed the top five in the boys’ section.
Mother Touch primary were second in the girl’s section with six points as Haig Park was third on five points.
Budiriro Three primary were fourth as Gwehana were fifth .
The Crystal Candy National Schools Chess League witnessed an impressive participation of over 150 primary and secondary schools from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation acting president Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi said they are happy to have successfully hosted the annual chess tournament which helps in promoting the sport from a young age.
Mkanganwi, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, hosts, and participants for making the event a huge success.
He also encouraged the children to be exemplary in all they do, exhibiting a high level of sportsman-ship as well as teaching chess to more of their friends.
“We are thrilled with the success of the Crystal Candy National Schools Chess League, and we would like to thank our sponsors Crystal Candy for the immense contribution towards this initiative and they are surely reshaping the landscape of chess in Zimbabwe.
“I am grateful to Cornelius Hope Academy for affording us their hospitality and support. They received our request at a very short notice but they were not deterred and didn’t shun us. Allow me to also express my gratitude to all the participants for making this event a reality,” said Mr Mkanganwi.
Online Reporter