03 Oct 2016

Woman Grandmaster (WGM), Tuduetso Sabure, overcame tough competition to win Botswana International Chess Open championships women title on Sunday.
She secured the title and P8 000  prize after finishing the nine-round competition in Gaborone with eight points, dethroning defending champion Boikhutso Modongo in the process.
“I initially came here to do something else but then decided to play. I just wanted to have fun. The competition was okay in terms of strength and activity as both the young and old players were playing competitively,” said the former Africa champion.
Sabure attributed her triumph to the fact that she imposed her playing style on her opponents.
“All matches were tough but I kind of forced people to play the way I wanted and it paid off. I overcame their problems before they overcame mine and that is how I managed to win.  My style of play is different from theirs,” she said.
Woman International Master (WIM), Epah Tembo-Jere, from Zambia settled for silver medal with 7.5 points, while 2014 champion WIM Onkemetse Francis got a bronze medal after garnering seven points.
WIM Boikhutso Modongo’s attempt to defend her title was unsuccessful after she finished behind Boitshepo Rebatenne on position 5.5 points.
International Master (IM) Gillian Bwalya from Zambia won the prestige section by tie-break from second-placed Musatwe Simutowe and third-placed Phemelo Khetho.
The three players had each finished the competition with seven points and pocketed P9 167.
Arnold Mothudi claimed the open section title with eight points, with Mbathi Phaladze grabbing silver medal with 7.5 points while Onkagetse Seikaneng settled for a bronze medal.
In the youth category, Tefo Philime was crowned champion for the boys section while Besa Masaiti won the girls section.
Sponsored by Debswana Diamond Company with P150 000, the tournament attracted players from Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi.
Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) president, Tshenolo Maruatona, said the federation was delighted by increase in participation of players from neighbouring countries, explaining that they had introduced the youth section in order to give young players a platform to compete at the tournament.
“We need to recognise the younger players, give them a platform and support them so that they can develop into stronger players and go on to represent the country one day,” Maruatona said.
He said the federation’s dream was to have the tournament recognised as one of the top national sporting activities.ENDS