Zhemba wins Minerva International Chess Open

…as Mirneva extends tenure

FIDE Master (FM) Jemusse Zhemba rose to the pinnacle of the 2023 Minerva International Chess Open, finishing as the uncontested victor with 7.5 points.

Zhemba seized the opportunity and never looked back following a quick draw against the defending champion, International Master (IM) Gillan Bwalya.

Despite sharing the first position in terms of points, Bwalya was placed second by the Buchholz tiebreak system, adding another exciting twist to the tournament’s narrative.

The recently concluded event witnessed the impressive chess skills of Zambian players FM Douglas Munenga, veteran FM Lungu Nase and Michael Kaoma, who tied for first place.

Their competitive spirit was paralleled by Malawi’s FM Joseph Mwale and Zimbabwe’s FM Roy Mwadzura, who scored seven points. Alongside FM Prince Mulenga, Tapiwa Jele and Tapiwa Chikwavaire claimed joint second place, a testament to their strategic insight and intense dedication to the game.

Easter Open champion Emarald Mushore emerged as the best local player with 6.5 points, further heightening Zimbabwe’s presence in the tournament. Celebrating the wisdom and experience that only age can bring, Brian Takawira was recognised as the best player over 50 years.

As the awards ceremony unfolded, Godwin Mudiwa, Minerva’s HR Director, made an exciting announcement in a robust display of support. Minerva committed to extending its sponsorship of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation for another three years. Mudiwa eloquently shared the company’s perspective, drawing a compelling connection between chess and the development of vital cognitive abilities such as creativity, problem-solving, concentration, reading skills, and memory enhancement. He also expressed his delight at seeing the participation of young players, acknowledging them as the future of Zimbabwe and, indeed, chess.

“We are committing to three more years of sponsorship,” said Mudiwa to thunderous applause.

“We feel that we have to be associated with chess because it deals with the most important part of our body, which is the brain. It raises the IQ and creates creativity, increasing problem-solving skills and improving concentration, reading skills and memory. Because of that, we are not afraid to be associated with chess.

“I’m happy to see that a lot of young people are playing this game. Because you are the future of Zimbabwe, you are the future of this country that we have invested in.”

The 2023 Minerva Open was a milestone event, marking the first tournament under the leadership of Mucha Mukanganwi.