27 Feb 2013

The Botswana Chess Federation has concluded qualifiers for the National Chess Championships.

The finals of the championships, sponsored by Metropolitan Botswana,  are scheduled for end of March. After two qualifying tournaments in Mogoditshane and Palapye, the best 10 players progressed to the finals of the open section and a further 10 made it to the women section.

The defending champion in the open section, International Master (IM), Providence Oatlhotse was joined by other big names such as Phemelo Khetho, Ignatius Njobvu, Moakofi Notha and Barileng Gaealafshwe.

The line up also included Kenneth Boikhutshwane, Thabo Gumpo, Thato Olebile as well as Elias Olositswe and Gomolemo Rongawane who have no FIDE titles.

In the women’ section, the defending champion and top-ranked female player, Women International Master (WIM), Boikhutso Mudongo led the line-up which also included experienced players such as Tuduetso Sabure and Tshepiso Lopang.

Talented and upcoming youngsters such as Kgalalelo Botlhole, Gorata Leso and Thapelo Leso, Mabedi Mbo, Masego Sasebola and Boitshepo Rebatenne also made the list. ENDS