THE just ended Zim Open chess tournament moved from its usual December to April period.
This was the first time since the early 80s that the iconic mind game tourney had to be staged outside the month of December.
The event had struggled to secure a long-term sponsor before Minerva Risk Advisors came in with a 10-year sponsorship package of US$10 000 per annum.
Zambian International Master (IM) Gillian Bwalya was crowned the new champion at Joina City, Harare, in this year’s edition.
Bwalya pocketed US$1000, a trophy and a gold medal. The Zim Open has always been a favourite hunting ground for the Zambian players, and it’s the second time IM Bwayla has won the event, the first one being in 2015.
The Zambian played sharp lines to complete the eight-round tournament with an unbeaten seven and a half points. He won ahead of tournament favourites defending champion Emarald Mushore, five-time Zimbabwean champion IM Rodwell Makoto, and Easter Open champion Spencer Masango.
Zimbabwean sensation Roy Madzura kept his good run to finish in second position with seven points. As evidenced by his tactical prowess Mwadzura is one of the emerging talents on the local scene, and he only lost to the tournament winner in the fifth round.
In third place was IM Makoto. He showed signs of rustiness, and he was cruising before Vitalis Mapuranga beat him in the fifth round. However, IM Makoto had the chance to stop IM Bwalya in the seventh round but failed to seize the initiative, with the game ending in a draw.
On the other hand, Masango, the Botswana open champion, struggled throughout the event as he played the remaining rounds outside the championship zone.
The ladies section of the event went to the top seed Woman Fide Master (WFM) Kudzanayi Charinda, who scored six and a half points edging then reigning champion Linda Shaba by half a point to second position. WFM Charinda got US$800, a trophy and a gold medal.
Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Minerva, Freida Chapfika, was happy with the turnout at this year’s event.
“We are happy with our partnership with the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, and we are excited that the numbers have doubled since last year,” said Chapfika.
“The tournament attracted players from Zambia. We want the Minerva Zim Open to be the biggest tournament in Africa.”
ZCF president Dr Collin Tongoona said with Minerva, failure to succeed is not an option as the sponsor understands their needs.
“Minerva came at the right time, and they have taken chess to an unprecedented level,” he said.
“We are happy our tournament attracted a top player from Zambia. Gillian is a strong player, and he has put up an outstanding performance.”
