Jele in pole position for Easter Chess crown

Tendai Chara-Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE title will be decided in the final round, but Tapiwa Jele has put himself right where he wants to be.

The former national champion shares the lead with William Leeroy Maulani on seven points at the Zimbabwe Easter Chess Championship in Masvingo, and the spotlight is firmly on the pair heading into the last game. Jele looks the man to beat. He has handled the pressure before and it shows in the way he has gone about his business here. No fuss, just clean positions, sharp moments when they matter, and results that have kept him at the top of the standings in a tight field.

This has not been a soft run.

He has come through a mix of experienced players and rising names, and he has not blinked. That calm edge, built over years at the top, could make the difference now that it comes down to one game.

Maulani has stayed with him all the way. The Beitbridge-based player has matched Jele point for point and carries his own threat into the final round. He has done the hard work to get here and won’t be there to make up the numbers. If anything, his run has added tension to a tournament that refuses to separate its leaders.

One slip will settle it.

“The field is tough. The winner in the men’s section will be decided by the last game,” said international arbiter James Vhezha.

“This clearly shows that competition is very tough.”

Vhezha, one of only two international arbiters in the country, is overseeing the event alongside Simbarashe Muvirimi. While the men’s race goes to the wire, the women’s section has already been decided.

Tatenda Ndou wrapped up the title with a steady, controlled campaign. Merrylene Zivanomoyo, playing on home ground in Masvingo, finished second, while Linda Shaba took third place after a strong showing of her own.

All eyes now shift back to the top board. Jele has been here before. He knows how to finish it.

Maulani has forced his way into the same conversation and won’t back off now. Seven points each. One game left.

That’s where this title will be decided.