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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
TAPIWA Jere and Nomalungelo Mathe were crowned the 2023 Commissioner General’s Behind the Walls Chess tournament at Khami Prison over the weekend.
Jere successfully defended his title, with the top player from Bulawayo winning eight games to finish on 8.5 points.
He was followed by Prince Chidembo on 7.5 points. Chidembo edged Kudakwashe Sibanda in a tie-breaker for the second position. Clarence Ndlovu of ZPCS missed on the podium finish but scooped the best ZPCS Officer prize after amassing 7.5/9 points.
The women’s section was dominated by former Zimbabwenational ladies team player Mathe. Samukeliso Dube was in second place.
Mathe edged Dube in a tie-breaker with ZPCS officer Kay Mupambi coming in third position, to get a share of the prize money for winning the bronze medal. Mupambi also pocketed the best female ZPCS officer prize.
In the open section, the best inmate was Madison Gwama, who finished with 7.9 points, with Trymore Madondo and Content Maguni coming in second and third places respectively.
They all won medals and hampers and qualified for the Zimbabwe Inmates Chess Team for the Intercontinental Online Chess Championships to take place in October this year.
Melody Ndlovu of Mlondolozi Prison emerged champion of the inmates women’s category, walking away with a gold medal and a hamper. The other podium finishers from Mlondolozi were Nozipho Ngwenya` and Patricia Ncube, getting silver and bronze medals respectively.
Deputy Commissioner General Social Ndanga, who represented Guest of Honour, the ZPCS Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu, complimented the hosting of such events.
He said the tournament gives inmates a rare opportunity to interact with other players from outside, exchange and share some tips that would competitively enhance their gaming skills.
“Such interactions will undoubtedly enhance the gaming knowledge and skills of the participants who will in turn rise up to become renowned chess players amongst our institutions, the country at large and even beyond.
“The sporting code has a tendency of training mental discipline, reflection, imagination, decision making and to be responsible for their actions of which these perfectly align with the ZPCS rehabilitation thrust,” he said.
Online Reporter