The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s top female chess player, Linda Shaba, has earned a ticket to the World Amateur Chess Championships set for next year, after she was crowned the 2022 African Amateur Individual Chess Championships winner on Sunday.
The 2022 African Amateur Individual Chess Championships were held in Kenya from November 26 to December 4, with more than 200 participants from amateurs to players of semi-master level clashing in a combined section of U2300-U2000.
Having faced some travel complications ahead of her trip to Kenya, Shaba started off the tournament slowly, and missed the first round.
However, the Zimbabwe Women’s Chess champion recovered well and clinched eight out of the possible nine points to clinch the gold medal, with a game to spare.
She gained 33.5 FIDE Elo rating points, and earned a ticket to the World Amateur Chess Championships to be held next year.
The dates and venue of the tournament are yet to be released.
Shaba was ecstatic after the massive feat.
“It was not easy going to Kenya and doing what I did.
“However, I’m happy to add this regional achievement to my list of achievements, and I am sure it will spur me to achieve more in the future,” said Shaba.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation Women’s chess director, Fungirayiini Mushaninga, was full of praise for the new African Amateur Individual Chess Champion.
“Well done, Linda. I know that such a splendid performance never comes to those in their comfort zones. It is through hard work, perseverance, determination, and lots of sacrifice.
“As ladies, we are proud of you for lifting our country’s flag high. Always know we are behind you,” said Mushaninga.
