21 Jul 2020

 Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) will take part in the first world online Olympiad billed for July 22 to August 30.

The tournament followed postponement of the 44th Chess Olympiad that was initially scheduled for Khanty-Mansiysk, in Russia.

BCF president, Thabano Mothokomedi, said the country would be represented by 12 players, among them, International Master Providence Oatlhotse in the open section while Woman International Master (WIM) Onkemetse Francis would take charge of the women’s team.

He said Botswana would kick off the competition on August 5 in the third phase, thanks to an upper rating in the spectacle.

A total of 15 teams would progress from one stage to the next. Mothokomedi further noted that should Botswana progress, it would play the next stage on August 12.

He said the national team welcomed back women grandmaster, Tuduetso Sabure following her lengthy absence.

Sabure and Gomolemo Rongwane would play behind Francis and Oatlhotse respectively.

Chess Master Thabo Elias and Women Candidate Master Refilwe Gabatshwarwe would play in the Under 20 category.

FIDE Master Thato Olebile, Keletshabile Monnatsheko, WIM Boikhutso Mudongo, Women FIDE Masters Besa Masaiti and Naledi Marape and Othata Selogelo would be reserves for the first team.

Mothokomedi said this was an initiative by FIDE to continue with activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the team would be in Gaborone for the tournament.

“I am confident and optimistic that the selected team will perform well. Players have been active since they have been engaged in various online tournaments during this COVID-19 period, and all we have to do is to prepare their time checks as per specifications of the competition,” he added.

Mothokomedi further said with the online events, each player will play 15 minutes, so as to prepare for shorter games.

“It’s a brilliant development that is long overdue and we hope FIDE would create a similar platform at the physical tournament next year,” he said.

Meanwhile, BCF would engage Nashua Internet for partnership during the tournament. ENDS