ZIMBABWE men’s chess team, led by International Master (IM) Rodwell Makoto, known to his ardent fans as “Kotov,” clinched a resounding 3-1 victory over Haiti in the third round of the Budapest 45th Chess Olympiad open section on Friday.
On board one, Kotov, wielding the white pieces with the precision of a seasoned surgeon, took on Haiti’s Davidson Gabriel.
The game was a tug-of-war, with both players matching each other’s moves, a dance that lasted for more than 60 moves.
However, Kotov’s mastery shone through as he pulled off a series of clever tricks from a seemingly drawn position and secured a win.
With this victory, Kotov maintains a perfect score, having won both of his games at the top boards.
Meanwhile, on board two, FIDE Master (FM) Roy Mwadzura, with the black pieces, put up a fierce fight against Angelo Etienne, earning himself 2 points after three games.
Emarald Mushore and debutant Vitalis Mapuranga held their own on boards three and four, respectively, securing draws against their opponents.
The Zimbabwean side now prepares to face a stronger Colombian outfit, boasting an average Elo rating of 2490.
The team will feature IM Farai Mandizha, IM Makoto, Mushore, and Mapuranga.
The decision by Zimbabwean captain Tapiwa Gora to rest FM Mwadzura for such a crucial match is unusual and leaves room for speculation.
Gora’s choice either stems from a strategic insight into the game’s outcome or there may be internal team matters at play.
On the distaff side, the Zimbabwean women’s team put up a courageous fight against
Egypt but fell short, with a 3-1 defeat. However, the southern African team refused to go down without a fight.
Woman Candidate Master Kudzanayi Charinda was the sole winner on board one.
Colleta Wakuruwarehwa, Zimbabwe’s board four player, had a golden opportunity to secure a point to help her team share spoils with the Egyptians. With precise moves, she guided her pieces towards a winning position.
However, in a crucial moment, Wakuruwarehwa’s bishop, guarding an essential square, slipped, leaving her position vulnerable.
Her Egyptian opponent, Yara Allam, seized the chance, delivering a decisive check that threatened an imminent checkmate.
Despite the setback, the Zimbabwean ladies prepare to take on Pakistan with a lower average rating in the fourth round on Saturday.
