27 Feb 2018

A total of 23 players led by four-time national champion, fide master Phemelo Khetho, have sailed through to the Metropolitan National Chess Championships open section semi-finals after completion of the first qualifying tournament.

The two-day qualifying competition which was held at Ledumang Senior Secondary School attracted approximately 46 players in the open section and 39 in the ladies section over the weekend.

Khetho, who last won the competition in 2014, finished top of the open section ahead of international master, Providence Oatlhotse, who is the record winner of the tournament with five titles.

Both men garnered six points apiece after seven rounds. They were followed by candidate master, Ndawana Mosenya and Moakofhi Notha in third and fourth place respectively. Promising prospects, Goabaone Tangani and Thuso Mosutha completed the top six after strong performances in the competition.

A player with no achievements in senior tournaments, Nametso Gasebapale managed to finish in eighth place ahead of household names like Thabo Gumpo and Oaitse Kokome who finished in 11th and 12 places respectively.

Other players who advanced in the open section were Keletshabile Monnaatsheko, Clifford Masole, Bokamoso Simon, Layton Mothupi, Otsile Mapini, Arnold Mothudi, Oratile Kgotlane, Abdul Kamara, Morwa Mokwena, Gobusamang Taukobong, Badumedi Sasebola, Moemedi Machobane, Thabo Elias and Onkabetse Mogale.

The ladies section qualifying stage was won by Ndachipiwa Kgomotso who finished the competition with five points after winning three matches and playing four stalemates.

She was followed by Ruth Otisitswe and Londani Tamuhla with five points apiece in second and third places respectively.  Woman international master, Kgalalelo Botlhole also advanced in fourth place as well as 2016 ladies section winner, woman international master, Onkemetse Francis who was in fifth place.

Others who advanced to the next leg of the ladies section were Besa Masaiti, Gorata Leso, Thapelo Francis, Koziba Mokhunzeni, Naledi Marape, Mabedi Mbo, Keitumetse Nkwe, Boitshepo Rebatenne, Tshepiso Lopang, Thandi Bonno, Malebogo Keleapere and Lame Mhate.

Defending champions, Barileng Gaealafshwe (open section) and Boikhutso Modongo (ladies section) both received byes from the first qualifiers and will enter the competition in the next stage. Ends