THE Pure Joy Weave Centre Chess Open is underway at Harare Club Hotel, marking the first tournament to open the 2026 season.
The four-day event runs from 1 to 4 January and has attracted a strong field across the Open, Ladies and Development sections.
Action began on Thursday, with the first two rounds of the Open section played. The early rounds produced steady results, with no major upsets on the top boards. The top seeds showed their class and converted their advantages well.
FIDE Masters Jemusse Zhemba and Banele Mhango of South Africa both started with perfect scores after two rounds. Malawi’s Joseph Mwale also won both his games, joining the leaders. CM Dion Moyo and Tanaka Katsande are also firmly in the title race, having picked up two points each from the opening day.
Veteran Spencer Masango was held to a draw in the first round by Tadisa Mutero, dropping half a point early in the tournament. It was one of the few surprises on a day largely dominated by the favourites.
Round three brings key clashes on Friday as the race tightens at the top. FM Mwale faces Cyril Mugodo while Katsande takes on Bismark Bhobhojani in a closely watched encounter. Prosper Matyire will be tested against FM Mhango in another crucial game.
In the Ladies section, round three highlights include Colleta Wakuruwarewa versus top seed Tanaka Dziyanyi, while Tatenda Ndou goes head-to-head with WFM Linda Shaba. Matifadzaishe Mhungu faces WCM Refiloe Mudodo, and Grace Zvarebwa will battle Isabel Masawi.
In the Development section, the 10-player round-robin event is in full swing. Peace Gandawa, Tadiwanashe Tapera and Omunojok Ihude have made strong starts and are leading the standings with perfect scores.
The Open section winner will take home $700 and a trophy, while the Ladies section champion will get $250 and a trophy.
