Chess National champs return

ZIMBABWE Chess Federation National Championships makes a welcome return this August after a year’s absence owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the coronavirus induced national lockdown, the restrictions announced by the government saw sport being suspended for the whole of last year. It was only until October when football activities were allowed to resume in a phased manner under the secure bio bubble concept only for the respective senior men and women national teams as well as the Premier leagues.

The majority of sports codes only got the nod to return towards the end of the first quarter this year.

The National chess championships are scheduled to run from August 6-10 at a venue to be advised with the men’s 2019 winner and defending champion Zhemba Jemuss headlining the men’s list. He is set to tussle it out against Emarald Mushore ( 2018 Champion,) Spencer Masango, Vitalis Mapuranga, Elisha Thabo and Elisha Chimbamu. The other men’s finalists are Van Madanhi, Tapiwa Chikwavaire, Cevan Murerwa( Candidates Champion 2019) and Kudakwashe Zimbowa (best under 20.)

The ladies finalists are led by the defending champion WCM Refiloe Mudodo, Christine Makwena, Tatenda Zengeni and WFM Elect Kudzanayi Charinda. Colleta Wakuruwarehwa, Linda Shaba, Rhoda Masiyazi, Florence Amos, Nomalungelo Mathe, and Tatenda Ndou best under 20 completes the ladies list.

On stand by for the women section is Rumbidzai Sango, Isabel Masawi, Nyarai Muponda, Hazel Masango and Edith Muyambiri.

The classical chess system will characterise the over-the-board tournament to give players ample time to calculate their moves.

FIve-time national champion IM Rodwell Makoto will not feature IN this year’s event as he is preparing for the World Cup tournament that will take place in Sochi, Russia starting July 10.