The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Zambia’s chess international master Gillian Bwalya was on Monday crowned the Zimbabwe 2022 Minerva Chess Open champion.
He walked away with US$1 000 after scooping the gold medal at the tournament, which took place from April 29 to May 2.
The Zambian garnered seven-and-half points from a possible eight after drawing with Zimbabwe’s international master Rodwell Makoto, who finished joint third with Zambia’s William Mwape with six-and-half points, pocketing US$400 each.
Zimbabwe’s Roy Mwadzura scooped the silver medal with seven points, pocketing US$600.
In the women’s category, Zimbabwe female master-elect Kudzanayi Chirinda was crowned the Zimbabwe 2022 Minerva Chess Open champion, pocketing US$800 after garnering six-and-half points.
Linda Dalisto was second with six points, walking away with US$450.
The bronze medal was shared between Christine Makwena, Refiloe Mudodo, Andre Cheila Sitoe and Paidashe Zengeni, who were all tied on five-and-half points.
The quartet got US$200 each.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation vice president Mucha Mkanganwi said the prizes awarded by Minerva were competitive and would help the country’s biggest chess tournament become one of the most sought-after on the continent.
Minerva, who were unveiled as the principal sponsor of the tournament last year, made a commitment to partner the Zimbabwe Chess Federation for 10 years.
“We want this to be the biggest tournament in SADC, Africa and the world at large,” said Minerva Risk Advisors spokesperson Freida Chapfika.
