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Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation have postponed the National Chess Championships and Candidates Tournament, which are usually held over the Heroes Holiday.
The federation, now under the leadership of the Collen Tongowona-led executive, will hold the annual event at a later date.
Players had been invited and everything was in place for the hosting of these big chess events.
The postponement is indefinite since it is subject to the standing government regulations, in fighting Covid-19.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation secretary-general, Todd Mapingire, expressed the federation’s disappointment, in light of this postponement.
“When the restrictions were eased, earlier this year, and we managed to host the Zimbabwe Easter Open, we got really excited,’’ he said.
“We envisaged the Nationals and Candidates being played this year.
“These are events of utmost importance, as far as chess is concerned in Zimbabwe, offering a perfect yardstick, to measure the progress chess stakeholders are making, in growing this beautiful game.
“We decided to make an historic move, by taking Candidates to Bulawayo, in order to decentralise chess, and have it spread across Zimbabwe.
“This is the main focus of the current administration, taking chess to all corners of Zimbabwe, and creating professional and lasting partnerships, to grow the sport.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter