Online Reporter
Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SHEPHERD Kukudzarema has strengthened calls for his inclusion in Zimbabwe’s Olympiad team after winning the sixth Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Championship unbeaten on Sunday.
The fifth seed won seven games and drew two to finish with eight points from nine rounds, collecting US$1 500 and producing a 2400-rated performance for the second tournament in succession.
The 2162-rated Kukudzarema went into the final round half a point clear after drawing with Zambia’s International Master Gillan Bwalya in the eighth round.
His seventh victory sealed the title. The Zimbabwe Chess Federation said the title-clinching game was only the 26th competitive game of his career. His two 2400-rated performances have strengthened his push for the FIDE Master title.
Kukudzarema had finished second at the sixth JR Mawere International Chess Tournament two weeks earlier, scoring 6.5 points and taking the runner-up spot on tie-breaks.
The Minerva field included players from across Southern Africa. Bwalya was joined by fellow Zambians Geoffrey Luanja, Augustine Mtonga and Siame Kela Kaulule, while other Zimbabwean contenders included Emarald Mushore and Dion Moyo.
Kukudzarema’s victory has intensified calls for his inclusion in Zimbabwe’s already-announced Olympiad team bound for Samarkand. Zimbabwe Chess Federation president Todd Mapingire said the federation would consider the young player if a place could be secured.
“If there is even a one percent chance of adding the young star to the team, I would not hesitate to seize the opportunity,” Mapingire said.
In the women’s section, Linda Shaba won with 7.5 points, half a point ahead of Christine Makwena, who had arrived in form after winning the JR Mawere tournament.
Refiloe Mudodo finished third, with Zambia’s Constance Mbatha fourth. Blessing Mbabvu won the Open B section with eight points. Kukudzarema fought back tears after receiving the title. “I cannot say much. What you witnessed during the past five days was the work of the Creator,” he said. “I could not do this by myself.”
