Online Reporter
Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NO one ran away with it, and that is what stood out.
The JR Mawere U1900 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament ended yesterday in Kwekwe with no clear favourite across the board, a three-day contest where every round demanded a fight.
Chief arbiter Moses Shumba saw it unfold from the centre of the action and left impressed by how tightly packed the field was.
Played over seven rounds from Friday, the annual event once again honoured the late Johnstone Rex Mawere, the former Kwekwe mayor and town clerk, with Kwekwe Primary School hosting the competition.
By the fifth round, the tone of the tournament was already set.
Several players were still on perfect scores, something Shumba does not see often at this level.“We did not have clear favourites. Each and every player fought for the precious points,” said Shumba.
“I was impressed by this unusually stiff competition.”
That edge ran through all the sections.In the women’s category, Sicelo Ndhlovu had worked her way to the top by round five, with Melisa Kambezo staying within touching distance.
Veteran Grace Zvarebwa, bringing national team experience, sat in third.The men’s open section was just as tight.
Gilbert Shoniwa remained unbeaten to lead the standings, with Adolf Muungani and Bismark Bhobojani pushing from second and third.
In the development ranks, the next generation kept pace with the seniors.
Gerald Mutasa led the boys’ section, chased closely by Chileshe Mulenga, while Kudakwashe Maseva held third.
On the girls’ side, Rebecca Siposo set the pace, ahead of Daltrice Zhou and Nenyasha Tsveture.Winners across the categories are set to be confirmed today, but the story of the tournament has already been written.
No passengers, no easy rounds, just a field that refused to separate.
Presley Mapako was recognised with the Gogo Juliet Mawere Fair Play Award, a nod to sportsmanship in a competition defined by hard-fought battles.
Mathew Masinge