Rabvu, Kambezo wins JR Mawere Chess tourney

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

EMMANUEL Rabvu and Nyashadzahe Kambezo were crowned the JR Mawere Under-20 Individual Chess Tournament champions after getting the better of several players at Kwekwe High School this week.

The tournament, which began on Friday, spilled into Monday after the fifth edition of the annual tournament got overwhelming response.

Ranging from the under-eight to the under-20, the tournament held in honour of the late former Kwekwe Mayor and Town Clerk, Johnson Rex Mawere, marked its fifth edition in style.

Rabvu managed six points and was ahead of Kudakwashe Tembo and Tafadzwa Mukombedza.

The girls section had Kambezo winning the gold medal on 6,5 points and was ahead of Carol Ndlovu who took silver and Grace Zvarebwa won bronze medal.

Tournament chairman Itayi Madicha said they are happy to have managed to host such a successful tournament which is slowly going regional as some foreign players were in attendance.

“This was our fifth edition of the JR Mawere Under-20 Invitational Chess Championship and we are happy with the turnout and we are looking forward to make the tournament a regional one.

“We are grateful to Kwekwe high for giving us favourable accommodation as the athletes where coming from all the provinces,” said Madicha.

“The tournament was targeting juniors from the age of eight up to 20 years and we did not have any challenges with our vetting as this is used as a qualifier for the intercontinental junior chess tournament to be held in Cape Verde.

“We are happy that it was also part of chess arbiters assessment for their upgrading.”

Madicha paid tribute to the Mawere family for continuously supporting chess as a sport.

“Chess has become an integral part of the JR Mawere family and no greater feeling is experienced, when we offer an opportunity to youngsters to excels also showcase their talent in chess.

“We had over 400 players for the Under-20 tournament and we are happy to be developing a name in the sport.

“The idea is to promote the sport and also remember an icon who was willing to give back to the community,” added Madicha.

JR Mawere Chess is a foundation comprising of Itai Madicha (chairman), Wilfred Sithole (founding member), Lawrence Tavangwisa (marketing director), and Jemani (technical director).

JR Mawere Winners

Boys Under-20 Open section

Emanuel Rabvu, Kudakwashe Tembo, Tafadzwa Mukombedza

Girls Under-20 Open section

Nhashadzashe Mellissa Kambezo, Carol Ndlovu, Grace Zvarebwa

Boys Under-20 development

Terrence Magora, Gerald Mutasa, Tallick Muchemwa

Girls Uner-20 development

Tariro Gwava, Mitchell Gudo, Blessing Mpala

Under-12 Boys

Delroy Chatiza, Nkonisati Dube

Girls Under-12