24 Jan 2013

Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) will over the weekend hold the traditional season-opening Aifficiency Chess Tournament at Mogoditshane Senior School.

The competition which is on its third edition now, has seen an increase of sponsorship from last year’s P10 000 to P12 000 this year courtesy of Aifficiency Company.

BCF acting secretary general, Keenese Katisenge said the tournament which would be played in two sections: open and ladies section, was expected of attract top chess players.

 

Katisenge said four-time national championships winner Oatlhotse is one of the many local chess stars who have confirmed their participation at the tournament.

However, Oatlhotse will face stiff competition from defending champion Khetho, Ignatius Njobvu, Barileng Gaealafshwe and Thabo Gumpo. Khetho won a mighty battle against Oatlhotse on his way to winning the tournament last year.

Women International Master (WIM) Boikhutso Mudongo holds the highest title by women chess players in Botswana, but she would face tough competition from the emerging Botlhole and Ontiretse Sabure for the women’s section.

International Master (IM) Providence Oatlhotse won the inaugural event in 2011 before Phemelo Khetho snatched the title last year. The winner of the women’s section last year was Dizdarevic Barbara, while Kgalalelo Botlhole was the first women’s winner in 2011.

“More than 50 players have already registered and we expect more to have registered by deadline on Friday. Five schools have also confirmed their participation and each school will bring ten players,” she said adding that the tournament brings together all chess players  who seek to start the year on a good note.

Katisenge said they have introduced prizes for the juniors. The tournament will start at 8am on Saturday and end on Sunday afternoon.ENDS