22 Aug 2016

Chess Grand Master Marian Petrov of Bulgaria has won  Botash International Open Chess Championship played over the weekend in Sowa Town.

Petrov who is in the country to assess and train the junior and senior national team players in preparation for the Olympiad won the Open section and walked away with P2 500, a medal and trophy.

 The championship tourney was first of its kind to attract international players and grand master to play in a local tournament.

Appreciating the gesture to have been invited to play in the tourney, Petrov said he was overwhelmed by the attendance noting that it was important to spread chess to young players so that they grasp the concept from young age.

“And having them playing in a tournament with their idols of the likes of Tshepiso Lopang, Boikhutso Mudongo and Onkemetse Francis as well as Tebogo Pitagano and Fide master Thato Olebile it is going to inspire them even more and advance their skills,” he said. 

Petrov was also of the view that taking chess as sport to other areas other than urban areas would attract more young players who would develop interest in playing the sport hence also help them academically.

In the women category, Onkemetse Francis was crowned the overall winner taking home a trophy, medal and P2 000.  She was seconded by women international master Bokhutso Mudongo who walked away with P1 000 and medal.

Botash sponsored the tourney with P40 000. 

Speaking on behalf of the sponsor business and development project manager,  Othusitse Seokamo said as part of their corporate investment initiative, Botash has solicit a partnership with BCF to provide a platform and opportunity for chess lovers and students in their area of operation tso as to unlock their talents and test their abilities against the best.

He further noted that they also aim to advance some of the key strategic deliverables of the federation which advocate for the development of chess in all corners of the country hence driving the country's economic diversification drive initiative by using sport as tool for development in their area. Seokamo also pointed out that their target was for young and senior players to come together and share chess skills. 

Other winners were Tebogo Pitagano who came second in the male category winning himself P2 500 and medal with Pudungwane Lesole grabbing the third position worth P1 300. Ends