Players and officials alike describe the tournament as a significant milestone in the revival of competitive chess in Botswana.

Held at Livingstone Kolobeng College in Gaborone over the past weekend and President Holiday, the championship attracted more than 170 of the country’s top players, including seasoned veterans and emerging young talents.

Providence Oatlhotse continues with his dominance as he was crowned Open Section champion after prevailing in one of the strongest national championships in recent years, earning P15,000 and a gold medal.

Gaolatlhe Mutonge claimed a silver medal and P11,000, while Kingsley Mokwena finished third, taking home P9,000 and bronze.

In the Women’s Section, Onkemetse Francis won the title and P10,000. Natalie Banda secured a silver medal and P7,500, while Maya Otimile claimed bronze and P6,500.

The championship also featured renowned Botswana chess veterans, including Ignatius Njobvu, Ndawana Mosenya, Ofentse Molale, Kenneth Boikhutshwane, Tebogo Pitlagano and Bojosi Sabure, whose participation added prestige to the event.

Each round produced memorable contests, highlighting the continued growth and competitiveness of chess in Botswana.

Botswana Chess Federation public relations officer, Goitsemodimo Makgatle said the return of a well-funded National Chess Championship through BetXplosion sponsorship had restored confidence in the sport following uncertainty over whether the tournament would take place.

“For a while, there was uncertainty about whether the championship would even be held. The BetXplosion sponsorship restored confidence and gave players something meaningful to prepare for, especially after the loss of Metropolitan, our biggest sponsor,” she said.

Makgatle said the sponsorship boosted players’ morale and restored the prestige associated with winning the national title.

She noted that the increased prize title, motivated competitors to improve their preparation and raise the standard of play.

“The initial sponsorship was P160,000, but it was later increased to P184,000 to cater for accommodation and welfare of veteran players who graced the event. Some travelled from as far as Maun to honour the invitation,” she said.

Makgatle added that the championship showcased the growing and depth of Botswana’s chess talent, with several lower-rated and younger players recording impressive victories over higher-rated and more experienced opponents.

“The gap between the country’s leading players and the chasing pack is narrowing, which is encouraging for the future of Botswana chess. These upsets show that ratings tell only part of the story and that investment in junior development is beginning to bear fruit,” she said.

Makgatle said the success of the tournament underscored the critical role sponsorship plays in developing sport and expressed hope that the partnership between the Botswana Chess Federation and BetXplosion would continue for many years.

She said sustained sponsorship would provide players with more meaningful competition, improve standards of play and further elevate chess in Botswana. ENDS