ZIMBABWE’s women’s chess team put on a strong performance, defeating Mauritius 4-0, while the men’s team was defeated by Australia in the second round of the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest on Thursday.
In the women’s section, Zimbabwe faced off against Mauritius, and Kudzanayi Charinda’s aggressive kingside attack, supported by a lethal bishop pair, proved too much for WCM Chethanah Andhin. Charinda’s relentless pressure eventually overwhelmed her opponent.
Christine Makwena’s well-orchestrated orthodox King’s Indian variation against Meritza Acham was a true masterclass. Makwena’s positional mastery allowed her to gain a piece and a clear winning advantage. With an advanced king and pawn, and a rook dominating the 7th rank, the game was over in just 55 moves.
Linda Shaba’s game was a swift and decisive victory as she won in under 30 moves after gaining a whole rook against Devi Gungadoo.
Colleta Wakuruwarehwa’s game against Stephanie Lee You Voon featured quick exchanges in the opening and middle game, which transitioned into a rook and pawn ending. Wakuruwarehwa’s precise execution of endgame strategies secured the win in 47 moves.
The Zimbabwean women’s team will now face Egypt in the third round on Friday, and they are likely to continue their strong performance.
In the open section against Australia, IM Farai Mandizha’s Sicilian Najdorf variation against GM Temur Kuybokarov proved to be a challenging as the Australian grandmaster’s aggressive pawn advances on the kingside and effective use of the open files proved too much for Mandizha, who ultimately lost after 36 moves.
IM Rodwell Makoto performed exceptionally for the Zimbabwean men’s team. In his match against IM Rishi Sardan, Makoto quickly gained the upper hand by controlling the centre and dominating the queen’s side. He outperformed his opponent in every aspect, was the sole victor for Zimbabwe.
FM Roy Mwadzura’s London System against GM Zhong-Yaun Zhao started promisingly, but some inaccuracies cost him the grip on his position, and he was led into a losing endgame.
Zimbabwean champion Emarald Mushore’s game against GM David Smerdon saw the Zimbabwean’s development being stifled, and with the king in the centre, eventually proved to be his downfall.
The Zimbabwean men’s team will now face Haiti in the third round, aiming to recover and re-establish themselves.
