Andrew
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE Chess Federation (ZCF) took the first giant step towards reviving the sport when Mashonaland West held its first-ever provincial Grand Prix.
The event, which was held at Chinhoyi University of Technology over the weekend, was the second provincial tournament to be held after the first Grand Prix in Masvingo three weeks ago.
ZCF had not held a Grand Prix in five years.
In the men’s tournament, Tinashe Chinhanga emerged the winner after beating national champion Zhemba Jemusse by a half a point.
Chinhanga garnered six-and-half points from a possible seven.
In the women’s tournament, Linda Shaba, who also won the Masvingo Grand Prix, bagged her second provincial title, getting six out of the seven points on offer.
ZCF acting president Mucha Mkanganwi said the provincial Grand Prix were part of an effort to spread the sport to all corners of the country.
“The idea of re-introducing the Grand Prix is part of our strategy to spread the sport across the country.
“For the first time in the history of chess in Zimbabwe, a Grand Prix has been held in Mashonaland West. To us, this is an achievement. We desire to grow the sport,” Mkanganwi said.
Online Reporter