By Donata Mpochela
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The inaugural online blitz chess tournament sponsored by MyBucks bank under the tutelage of Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) has attracted 83 players and both the sponsors and CHESSAM as they have branded it a success.
As Chess grandmasters are capable of unleashing an innovative move on a chessboard during the game.
The new move in a chess variation is known as a novelty and it represents a deep positional understanding.
Many commentators think CHESSAM might have played a novelty by swiftly switching from Over The Board (OTB) Chess tournament to online chess, in the wake of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic that has gripped gatherings.
The tournament was displayed in two categories such as ladies and junior section which kicked-off in the morning and each player had five minutes per game.
In the open section, Fide Master Joseph Mwale, who is also Malawi’s highest rated players, won with 59 points, ahead of unheralded Hubert Nanthambwe 49 points, and Mangochi based player, Precious Kamwendo 47 points.
Mwale played from the comfort of his base in Johannesburg, South Africa. Candidate master Petros Mfune 40 points, popularly known in chess circles as Razorblade, missed a podium finish by a whisker on fourth position. A total of 51 players participated in the open section.
While in the ladies section, young and upcoming student from Mzuzu, Tina Kumwenda claimed the bragging rights on 43 points. She was closely followed by Annie George 38 points, and Priyasha Shriyan 20 points, on second and third positions respectively.
Versatile Tapiwa Banda 20 points of Area 49 Gulliver knights scooped fourth spot.
Woman Fide Master (WFM) Linda Chaononga and Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Ellen Mpinganjira were surprise casualties in the 14-contestant section, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively, another highly-rated female player, Daisy Nkhoma finished seventh.
In the juniors section, former national champion Blessings Kamanga (28 points) emerged the champion, beating 17 players. Trailing him on 25 points was Dakshesh Dutt
Speaking during the prize presentation ceremony which was equally staged online at night, MyBucks bank Marketing Manager, Linda Simwaka thanked CHESSAM for the innovative idea of mobilizing chess players online. She then congratulated all the winners for their efforts.
CHESSAM President, Susan Namangale thanked MyBucks Banking Corporation for the MK1 million sponsorship.
She said the next online chess tournament will be played next month.
On his part, Joseph Mwale said: “I am happy to win this most adventurous tournament. It felt great to compete against competitors while at the comfort of my base in the foreign land,” Mwale said.
