THE much-awaited 2023 CABS Candidates Chess tournament starts today at Gifford High School in Bulawayo.
During this four-day event, Zimbabwe’s promising chess players will compete fiercely over the checkered board.
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation and CABS have joined forces to organize a tournament that features three categories: the Open, the Ladies, and the Development section for both boys and girls.
This tournament offers a competitive platform for the participants to showcase their skills and advance to higher levels.
The winner of the Open tournament will have the honour of participating in the esteemed 2024 Men’s National Championships, where they will compete against the country’s top chess players. In the same way, the champion of the Ladies section will earn a place in the 2024 Women’s National Championships.
Top competitors Tinashe Chinhanga, Brian Dzvetera, and Tapiwa Chikwavaire will compete in the 9-round Swiss Open. Hazel Masango, Charlene Mguni, Tatenda Ndou, and Matifadzaishe Mhungu lead the Ladies’ section.
Winning the competition is a matter of recognition and has financial benefits. The Open section winner will receive a prize of ZWL$ 3,000,000, a trophy, and a gold medal. The Ladies section champion will be awarded ZWL$2,250,000, a trophy and a gold medal.
The Development section winners, both boys and girls, will receive ZWL$375,000 and ZWL$225,000, respectively, as well as certificates and gold medals.
Last year’s Candidates champion Mugove Muririma, is set to compete in the upcoming National Championships later this month.
