Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A total of six chess players have qualified to represent the country at the 2025 World Cadets Chess Championships to be held in Kazakhstan.
More than 500 athletes ranging from under-eight, under-10 and under-12 boys and girls competed for the sole ticket at Haig Park Primary over the weekend.
Emanuel Mhiti and Elizabeth Tinevimbo Chimboza were the under-12 category winners, Li Xing and Eleanor Princess Ncube won the under-10 group, and Kudakwashe Chemhuru and Tumelo Mia Chikosi won the under-eight section.
The selection held by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) was held over three days from Friday to Sunday.
Tournament Director Mercy Mushangwe said the tournament went on well and they look forward to having the players in a boot camp depending on resources availability.
“We successfully held the Zimbabwe Cadet Chess Championship Open which was a qualifier for the World Cadets Chess Championships to be held in Khazakastan in September,” said Mushangwe.
“We had more than 500 junior chess players battling it out, and I believe that the winners of the Zimbabwe Cadet Open will have what it takes to compete at the World Championships.
“Looking at the numbers that turned out, the best junior players showed that they are very competitive and are looking forward to the world stage in September.
“After the high level of competition at the Zimbabwe Cadet Chess Open Championship, we are confident that the winners will go and fly the flag high at the World Championships.
“The players that were selected from the qualifiers will undergo a training camp to acclimatise with the conditions and expectations at the World Championships.
“Funds permitting, we look forward to host a boot camp for our representatives and this will help to fine tune their skills by preparing them under the same tournament conditions in Kazakhstan as well as gearing them to be ambassadors of our nation.”
