Emerald Mushore and Christine Makwena stood atop the podium as champions of the 2024 Zimbabwe CBZ National Chess Championship, held from April 8 to 13 at Joina City in Harare.
The tournament was sponsored by CBZ Holdings and organised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF).
The duo’s remarkable achievement is closely followed by their impressive performance at the Easter Open in Masvingo just a fortnight ago.
Mushore, a seasoned contender, clinched his third national title after earlier victories in 2013 and 2018. Reflecting on his win, Mushore expressed joy, noting the fierce competition throughout the event.
“I knew my chances of winning the nationals were high when I woke up this morning on the last day of the tournament. It was a tough competition, but I’m glad I came out on top. I will focus on preparing for the Zim Open, the Olympiad, and other upcoming tournaments,” Mushore revealed to EntersportNews.
In the 12-man round-robin tournament, FIDE Master (FM) Zhemba, fresh from Africa Individuals in Accra, had a strong start but faltered in the critical rounds, ultimately finishing in fourth place with 7/11 points.
Vitalis Maparunga and FM Roy Mwadzura claimed second and third place, respectively, with 8.5/11 points each.
Noteworthy performances also unfolded, with newcomer Tatenda Katsande finishing fifth, Tapiwa Jele in sixth, and Mugove Muririma in eighth place. Meanwhile, Tapiwa Gora and Tapiwa Chikwavaire settled in ninth and tenth place, respectively, with Cyril Chigodo and Elisha Chimbamu bringing up the rear.
One of the tournament’s most exciting games was between Mushore and Mapuranga. Mapuranga was playing with the white pieces and got his queen trapped, but he tenaciously held on until he managed to secure a draw.
Another exciting game was between the defending champion and Chikwavaire. FM Zhemba put pressure on Chikwavaire’s position by sacrificing a knight and attacking the f2 square of his castled king. This move gave Zhemba the initiative, ultimately leading to his victory in the game.
In the ladies’ section, Makwena and one of the youngest players in the pool, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Rumbidzai Mawire, had a good run in the early rounds up to the fifth round. However, both players started showing signs of fatigue, and they lost their games.
However, Makwena bounced back and won the ten-player round-robin tournament with 6.5/9 points, but Mawire struggled in the last half of the event to finish fourth with 5/9 points.
WCM Kudzanayi Charinda lost her title after suffering two defeats at the hands of Colleta Wakuruwarehwa, the undefeated number two in the tournament, and Linda Shaba, Zimbabwe’s representative at the Africa Individuals Chess Championship. Shaba finished in the seventh position, scoring 50 per cent.
Tatenda Zengeni and Nomalungelo Mathe finished with 5/9 points and were placed in fifth and sixth positions, respectively. Former ladies’ national champion WCM Refiloe Mudodo had a nightmarish tournament, scoring only 3.5/9 and finishing eighth.
Veteran Rhoda Masiyazi finished in the ninth position, scoring 3/9 points. Despite using little time on her clock, she managed to outplay one of the tournament favourites, Shaba. Interestingly, Masiyazi holds the record for the fastest win at a Chess Olympiad. She won a game in just three moves against Akua Kosife Esse of Togo at the 2014 Tromso Olympiad.
Hazel Masango finished in the tenth position with only half a point.
During the prize-giving ceremony, CBZ Holdings representative Manatsa Gaka expressed satisfaction with the event’s organisation and performance. He emphasised CBZ’s commitment to supporting chess and its alignment with the values of strategic planning and intellect.
“Today’s event was a spark that ignited our spirits. Congratulations to Mucha and the leadership team at ZCF for orchestrating another successful National Championship,” Gaka acclaimed.
“Our partnership with ZCF, initially uncertain, has proven to be a valuable endeavour. We’re committed to supporting chess as it parallels our values of strategic planning and calculated risk. Our investment in chess reflects our dedication to nurturing intellect and strategic thinking. At CBZ, our commitment extends beyond the chessboard. Through the CBZ Foundation, we aim to impact education, health, and vulnerable communities, forging meaningful partnerships beyond the game. Congratulations to all participants. Your dedication exemplifies the rewards of investing in one’s craft. Let’s applaud the winners and the passion and perseverance displayed.”
Todd Mapingire, the Secretary-General of ZCF, thanked the tournament’s sponsors and players for their contributions to its success, echoing Gaka’s sentiments.
“I’m delighted to see everyone here tonight. It brings me immense joy to announce the successful funding and establishment of our Nationals. Initially, there were hurdles, and without the support of this Executive, we wouldn’t have achieved this milestone.” Mapingire noted.
“The concept of a Nationals seemed distant, but thankfully, it’s now a reality. We anticipated having it last year, but FIDE’s introduction of the World Cup altered our plans, tying participation to Olympia qualifiers. Later in the year, CBZ stepped in to sponsor a tournament linked to the Olympia qualifiers, complicating matters. Despite efforts to clarify, there was confusion regarding the distinctions between the World Cup qualifiers and Nationals, which required extensive discussions with CBZ.”
The tournament was overseen by International Arbiter (IA) Zimbabwe Murimi and was deputised by Fide Arbiters (FA) James Vhezha, Jarmil Ndoro, and Victor Chimbamu. Other arbiters were National Arbiters (NA) Tafadzwa Shanya, Thabang Moyo, Mercy Mushangwe, and Moses Mutipforo.
