Online Reporter
Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The chief arbiter at the just-ended JR Mawere U1900 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament, Moses Shumba, was impressed by the level of competition shown during the three-day international event.
Played over seven rounds, the tournament began last Friday.
The event is held annually in honour of the late Johnstone Rex Mawere, a former Kwekwe mayor and town clerk. Kwekwe Primary School was the venue.
After five rounds, an unusually high number of players had registered perfect scores. For Shumba, this meant that the level of competition was also very high.
“We did not have clear favourites. Each and every player fought for the precious points,” Shumba said.
“I was impressed by this unusually stiff competition.”
Considered one of the most important chess tournaments on the local calendar, the event featured players with FIDE ratings below 1900.
The winners in the various categories will be announced later today.
However, by round five, Sicelo Ndhlovu was leading in the ladies’ section, with Melisa Kambezo hot on her heels. Veteran Grace Zvarebwa, who boasts Zimbabwe National experience, was in third position.
In the men’s open section, an unbeaten Gilbert Shoniwa led the standings. Adolf Muungani and Bismark Bhobojani were second and third, respectively.
Gerald Mutasa led the boys’ development section, with Chileshe Mulenga closely following. Kudakwashe Maseva was in third position. In the girls’ development section, Rebbeca Siposo led, followed by Daltrice Zhou. Nenyasha Tsveture was in third position.
Presley Mapako was awarded the Gogo Juliet Mawere fair play award.
The award is given in honour of the late Gogo Juliet Mawere, a pillar of strength for the Mawere family.
