FM Jemusse Zhemba surged ahead in the 2023 Minerva International Open Chess Tournament following a stirring display of skill at Joina City, Harare, on Saturday.
With a crucial win against Elisha Chimbamu in the sixth round and a victory over Geofrey Luanja in round seven, Zhemba now stands tall with six commanding points.
IM Gillan Bwayla, the defending champion, remains a force to reckon with. Matching Zhemba’s six points, his grit and determination may see him retain the title. The battlefield has been set, the pieces are moving, and the suspense builds as we approach the final rounds.
In round six, FM Roy Mwadzura drew against FM Lungu Nase and brought down Tapiwa Jele to keep an unbeaten record of six points. However, Mwadzura must now navigate the treacherous waters of board one in the penultimate round against the formidable IM Bwalya.
On board two, the spotlight also falls on Zambian players FM Nase and FM Douglas Munenga, who are poised to compete in a high-stakes encounter in round eight. Their duel is expected to be decisive for the coveted grand prize.
Meanwhile, South African FM Banele Mhango awaits FM Zhemba on board three. This clash is set to be a spectacle, the culmination of both players’ tenacity and shrewd strategy.
The competition in the ladies section is no less fierce. WCM Hazel Mudodo, with a commendable six points, is leading the field. After defeating WIM Anzel Laubscher in round six and drawing with Nomalungelo Mathe, she now faces Valentine Pasipanodya in the eighth round.
Defending champion WCM Kudzanayi Charinda squares off against Tatenda Zengeni on board one. This matchup promises to be nerve-wracking, with each player looking to assert dominance.
Christine Mukwena locks horns with WCM Chiela Sitoe on board three, while Linda Shaba is set to take on WIM Laubscher in her pursuit of the leaders.
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