Chitown Masters defeated three-time champions Harare City in the 8th round of the Harare Prof League held on Saturday.
The result was unexpected as City was always dominant over Chitown Masters. Harare City was considered the stronger team on paper. Vitalis Mapuranga played on board one, Elisha Chimbamu on board two, Tinashe Chinhanga on board four, Gilbert Shonhiwa, Gibson Malije, and Women Candidate Master (WCM) Refiloe Mudodo completed the City team.
In a tightly contested game, only WCM Mudodo managed to salvage a point for City. Tanaka Katsande outplayed Vitalis Mapuranga, resulting in a draw. The last game to finish, Chimbamu’s, featured a subtle endgame with a bishop and three pawns against a knight and the same number of pawns. Eventually, the knight failed to defend the pawns, leading to Chimbamu’s demise.
Chinhanga lost to Mugove ‘Sox’ Muririma, and Malije also suffered defeat. The team fell apart in a crucial match, finishing in second place after 8 games played. Chitown Masters have had a perfect start, winning all 8 rounds including this tough test.
The Waterfalls Chess Team lost 3.5-2.5 against Asante. Spencer Masango defeated Fide Master Roy Mwadzura, showcasing his tactical prowess. The Mhondoro Chess Club drew 3-3 against Harare Polytechnic, while the Knights Academy lost 4-2 to the Immortals Chess Club. Additionally, Minerva lost 4-2 against Harare Chess Academy B, and the Harare Chess Academy A Team lost 3.5-2.5 against Belvedere Free Piece in a closely contested match.
There was a fire on board last weekend, and more exciting matches are still to come. We will witness intriguing chess in this league.
Harare Pro Chess League Week 8 Results
Harare Pro Chess League Latest Standings
