OVER 200 chess players are scheduled to participate in the three sections for a share of US$6000 in the Minerva Risk Advisors sponsored tournament dubbed Minerva Chess Open starting on Friday at Joina City, Harare.
The tournament sees the return of five-time national champion International (IM) Rodwell Makoto, who seeks to re-establish his dominance on the local scene.
IM Makoto, the tournament’s second top-rated player, is expected to trade blows against some of southern Africa’s best players in the open category.
Top seed IM Gillian Bwayla, Timothy Kabwe, Geoffrey Luanja, William Mwape and Gift Phiri will represent Zambia at this year’s biggest tournament on the Zimbabwe chess calendar.
Defending champion Emarald Mushore is expected to make up for the dismal performance at the Easter Open and defend his Zim Open championship title.
Spencer Masango, the recently crowned Easter Open champion, is one of the favourites to win the coveted prize.
In the ladies section, defending champion Linda Shaba, top seed Kudzanayi Charinda, Ladies Easter Open champion Valentine Pasipanodya and Refiole Mudodo are expected to lead the pack.
According to Zimbabwe Chess Federation Secretary-General Todd Mapingire, this year’s event will produce exciting games.
