TAPIWA Jele reigned supreme in the open section, successfully defending his Commissioner General’s Behind the Wall Chess crown with an exceptional 8.5 points at Bulawayo’s Khami Prison over the weekend.
Prince Chidembo secured a commendable second place with 7.5 points, while Kudakwashe Sibanda matched Chidembo’s score but landed in third place after the tie-break.
The heart of Zimbabwe Chess pulsed with fervour this past weekend as an array of participants – inmates, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officers, and professional chess players – engaged in the riveting Commissioner General’s Behind the Wall Chess Tournament at Khami Maximum Prison.
With 170 participants, the event saw exhilarating games and admirable sportsmanship over two action-filled days, from June 10 to 11.
The generous contributions from a host of stakeholders greatly enhanced the tournament. Benefactors such as Minerva Risk Advisors, the ZPCS Chaplaincy Section, Universal Church, First Mutual Life Assurance, Prison to Praise Ministry, Brahman Kumaris, Mayoza Investments, Legend Prince Studios, Messianic Christian Fellowship, and B Metro Province Station all provided exceptional support in the form of cash, hampers, and equipment. The standard chess sets, courtesy of Minerva Risk Advisors, added a touch of professionalism to the tournament, enhancing the experience for every participant.
The Ladies Section of the Commissioner General’s Behind the Wall Chess Tournament was swept by the remarkable Nomalungelo Mathe, who won with an impressive 8.5 points out of nine rounds. Hot on her heels was Samukeliso Dube, who also amassed 8.5 points but fell to second place on Bucholz. Rounding out the top three was Kay Mupambi with 7 points, and from the ZPCS contingent, Munyika secured the fourth spot with 5.5 points.
Following the thrilling conclusion of the tournament, the next step in this transformative initiative is the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners, which is tentatively scheduled for later this year. The achievements and performances in the Commissioner General’s Behind the Wall Chess Tournament have certainly set the stage for effective participation in this upcoming international competition.
The Commissioner General’s Behind the Wall Chess Tournament exemplifies chess’s transformational power in Zimbabwe, creating a platform for competition, personal development, and societal engagement.
