Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
ZAMBIAN Justin Langa and Zimbabwe’s Linda Shaba were crowned the 2025 Minerva Chess Open Tournament men’s and women’s champions at a four-day competition, whose curtain came down at Joina City on Sunday.
Langa, an International Master, managed to accumulate 7,5 points to pocket US$1,500.
He finished ahead of Zimbabwe’s Spencer Masango.
The Zambian, who was playing his second tournament in the country after also taking part in the JR Mawere Chess tournament in Kwekwe earlier this year, said the tournament was very competitive.
“I am very grateful to the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and all their sponsors.
“I last visited Zimbabwe some few months back and this was my second tournament here.
“I had some tough games as the level of competition has improved immensely. There is great improvement and I hope it is also going to reflect on the ratings.
“I was very happy after coming out victorious in most of my games and Masango, who is also an International Master, gave me a good run,” said Langa.
Shaba said she was happy to lift the women’s title.
She beat former three-time champion Kudzanayi Charinda, who lost despite her tie for 6,5 points.
“Natalie Banda of Botswana was third.”
The national team player is hoping to keep on improving and continue representing the country in upcoming assignments.
“I am very happy with my performance over the past four days. I am glad that I managed to win as the competition was very tough.
“There is great improvement in the sport as women’s representative numbers have improved a lot.
“My wish is to have the sport get more female participants,” said Shaba
Charinda, who won the first three editions, lost out last year to Rafiloe Madondo.
Bulawayo-based Tapiwa Jele was third.
Roy Mwadzura, Castro Sibanda and Zambian Michael Kawome completed the top six.
Mathew Masinge