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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE 2023 edition of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess tournament set for May 25 to 28 at Joina City in Harare has attracted foreign participants.
The Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Open is one of the biggest tournaments in the country and has managed to draw Grand Masters from as far as Nigeria.
The tournament was won last year by Zambia’s IM Gillian Bwalya, who beat FIDE Master Roy Mwadzura, in the final.
With a combined purse of US$7 150 for the two categories, the Open Section has a whopping $1 3 00 first prize, with the women’s section champion expected to walk away with US$1 000.
Zimbabwean players will have to battle it out with players from Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Angola among several others who have shown interest.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation president Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi is hopeful that the local players have a good chance to shine despite the coming in of international masters.
“We are excited with the coming on board of foreign players who have shown interest in taking part in our 2023 edition of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess tournament.
“There are some good players locally and I believe they have a good chance to challenge all the foreign players who will come. The open sections will be competitive but I have confidence in some of our players who have played at the highest levels. The women section is also strong and we are expecting a huge field as well,” said Mkanganwi.
Online Reporter