12 Aug 2019

One of Botswana’s finest chess players, International Master Providence Oathotse proved his mettle when he was crowned Botash Chess Open Championship winner in Sowa over the weekend.

Oathotse, who will representing the country at this year’s Africa Games billed for Morocco in two weeks’ time, tied on 5.5 points with his runner up Monnatsheko Keletshabile.

However, the duo was separated by the tie-breaker that gave Oathotse an urge over his opponent bagging the gold medal.

Each of the two players pocketed P4 500 against the initial P5 500 monetary prize meant for the open section winner. Youthful bronze medalist, Badumedi Sasebola, from Bobonong walked away with P2 500.

 The competition was sponsored by Botswana Ash at a tune of P60 000.

In the women section, woman grand master Tuduetso Sabure walked away with P3500 after amassing 5.5 points.

She was seconded by international woman master, Kgalalelo Botlhole who was tied to Onkemetse Francis and Boitshepo Rebatenne on 5 points each but were separated by the tie breaker which then left Botlhole in the silver spot while Francis settled for bronze.

They each received P1 667 and Thabano pointed out that Francis will be among the players representing Botswana at the Africa Games.

In an interview, Botswana Chess Federation president, Mothokomedi Thabano, said this year’s championship was a success. It attracted 128 players.

He said the tourney played in three sections, open, women and youth was the most successful championship played in the area.  

In addition, the chess president stated that Botswana Ash sponsored the championship for P60 000 an increment of P10 000 from the previous tournament.

He said they were motivated by the attendance and standard of the competition adding that it afforded the players billed for the continental spectacle a good match practice.

Thabano they gave away 60 chess boards to the young players that attended the tournament as way of advancing the sport. Ends