VETERAN Zimbabwean chess player Spencer Masango delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 Easter Open held last weekend in Masvingo, finishing second with 7.5 points out of 9 rounds.
Masango, fresh from a top-five finish at the National Championships, stood tall as the best-performing local player in a tournament dominated by regional heavyweights.
Masango’s path to the podium was marked by six wins and three critical draws against formidable opponents Mhondoro Chess Club founder Fortune Gandawa, Zambian International Master (IM) Gillan Bwalya, and Kudzai Kusema, also of Mhondoro Chess.
His experience was on full display as he defended home soil with calm authority, solidifying his status as one of Zimbabwe’s most dependable and consistent players.
The tournament was ultimately won by the Zambia International Master, who scored 8 points from 9 rounds to claim the top prize.
Bwalya’s win was well-earned, but it was Masango who captured the hearts of the local crowd with his fighting spirit and brilliant board play.
National Champion Tapiwa Jele secured third place, continuing his impressive form, while FIDE Master Jemusse Zhemba settled for fourth in a field brimming with talent.
In the Ladies section, the tournament ended with a rare four-way tie at the top. Each of the joint winners Coletta Wakuruwarehwa, Nomalungelo Mathe, Woman Candidate Master Refiloe Mudodo, and Tatenda Ndou scored 7 points out of 9 rounds.
Ndou’s performance stood out in particular. Unlike her co-winners, she has never represented Zimbabwe at the Olympiad, and after finishing seventh in the recent Ladies Nationals, her share of first place in Masvingo marks a significant breakthrough in her career.
The 2025 Easter Open delivered exciting chess, upsets, and breakout performances.
