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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Chess Federation acting president Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi has hailed the 2023 Steward Bank Easter Open Chess Tournament held over the Easter holidays at Joina City in Harare as a huge success.
The tournament was won by Emerald “Nolimov” Mushore in the men’s Open section while Paidaishe Zengeni won the women’s section.
Steward Bank partnered ZCF for the first time as the main sponsors and Mkanganwi was happy with the support after delivering a flawless event.
“We are grateful that we managed to hold our first national tournament of the year. The tournament was a success considering the number of players who turned up.
“We were over-subscribed to an extent that the main venue became too small and the juniors had to move to another venue at Allan Wilson. We are grateful to all the sponsors, arbiters and the tournament director who made sure the tournament went on well.
“We are now looking forward to the next events. The traditional Easter Open has for over three decades been played over the Easter holidays and draws competitors from all over the country, as well as international players within the SADC region. This year we had players from Malawi and Mozambique which showed that our tournament is growing,” said Mkanganwi.
More than 100 players turned up for the annual event. Steward Bank representative Nyasha Choga said they are happy to be associated with chess as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“We are happy to have partnered ZCF by sponsoring such a big tournament which was regarded as a great success. The tournament is one of our ways of giving back to society as well as help in the fight against vices like drug abuse.
“The sport incorporates all ages and we are happy that we are looking forward to continuing working with them,” said Choga.
Online Reporter