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Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Chess Federation (ZCF) is celebrating the exploits of one of the women’s national team players, Linda Shaba who won the 2022 African Amateur Individual Chess Championship in Kenya which ended on Sunday.
The win earned her a place at the World Amateur Chess Championships set for next year. The event attracted a total of 93 players from 15 federations, the highest attendance in the event since its inception in 2015 in Matola, Mozambique.
The top Zimbabwean player started her tournament slowly after missing the first round due to flight challenges and was participating in the combined 12-player sections of women Under 2000 and 2300.
Shaba however showcased her chess prowess despite the poor start to finish the tournament with a massive eight points from a possible nine and one point ahead of second placed Madelta Glenda from Kenya.
She remained unbeaten in her matches played.
Winning the prestigious tournament saw the Zimbabwean star gain 33,5 International Chess Federation (FIDE) rating points. Shaba was however, not the only Zimbabwean in the East Africa nation as there were three more.
Mercy Mushangwe finished on position 10 out of 13 players in her category, Princess Eleanor Ncube finished in position 11 out of 13 and Emmanuel Zivambiso finished in number 26 from 35.
Shaba said she was happy to have added the regional achievement to her accolades and this will drive her to achieve more in her career.
“It was not easy going to Kenya and doing what I did. I am happy to add this regional achievement to my list of achievements and I am sure it will spur me to achieve more in the future,” said Shaba.
ZCF women’s chess director Fungirayiini Mushaninga congratulated the successful Shaba on a job well done.
“Well done, Linda. I know that such a splendid performance never comes to those in comfort zones, it is through hard work, perseverance, determination and lots of sacrifice.
“As ladies, we are proud of you for lifting our country’s flag high, always know we are behind you,” said Mushaninga.
ZCF acting president, Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi also congratulated Shaba for making Zimbabwe proud. — @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter