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Takudzwa Chitsiga, Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation named a 12-member squad that will represent the country at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary from September 10 to 23.
Tapiwa Gora and Vhezha James will lead the men and women’s teams at the prestigious international competition.
Zimbabwe will be represented by top chess players that include International Masters Roy Makoto, Farai Mandizha and Women Candidate Master Kudzanai Charinda.
Todd Mapingire, the ZCF secretary-general, who will also be the Chief of Delegation said they are expecting an improved performance from the team.
“We have assembled a strong team that we believe will make Zimbabwe shine at the 45th FIDEChess Olympiad.
“The players have worked hard and demonstrated their skill at national and international level and we are looking forward to cheer them as they represent the country on the global stage,” said Mapingire.
Mapingire also revealed that the team for the Olympiad will compete at the Minerva Risk Advisors sponsored Zimbabwe International Open Chess Tournament that will be held on July 31 in the capital as part of their preparations for the upcoming international jamboree.
“We are also very excited that, on July 31 we will be having our premier tournament the Zimbabwe International Open Chess Tournament which draws local and international players.
“The tournament has come at the right as we are expecting our team to use it as a preparatory competition for the upcoming Olympiad tournament.
“We finished 53rd in the World the last time we took part and we look forward to improve our rankings this time around. We have a very strong squad with a lot of experience on international stage,” he added.
Zimbabwe Chess Team
Men: Tapiwa Gora (Team Captain), Farai Mandizha, Emarald Mushore, Vitalis Mapuranga, Rodwell Makoto, Roy Mwadzura
Women: Vhezha James (Team Captain), Kudzanai Charinda, Christine Makwena, Colletah Wakuruwarewa, Linda Shaba and Tatenda Zengeni
Officials: Todd Mapingire (Chief of Delegation), Clive Mphambe (Delegate), Mercy Mushangwe (official), Agab Dozva (official).
Online Reporter