Joseph Mwale and Neusa de Castrol are set to finish the year on a high note after Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) crowned them champions of the 2023 Malawi Open Chess Championship.
Mwale and de Castrol were rightfully rewarded after their outstanding performances during a three-day tournament which had 59 competitors drawn from Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi in Blantyre.
The seasoned Mwale triumphed in the men’s category with an impressive 7.5 points. He described lifting the title towards the end of the year as exciting.
“It feels great to win like this. I just need to intensify training so that I continue winning. I am excited to have won the title after some years. I promise to train harder to achieve even more in future,” Mwale said.
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Mozambican de Castrol emerged victorious in the ladies’ category with a commanding 8.5 points.
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For emerging champion, Mwale received a trophy and K1 million cash while de Castrol walked away with a trophy, K400,000 cash, a medal and hamper courtesy of Illovo Sugar Malawi.
Chessam President Mpilo Mizere commended all participants for putting upgreat performances.
“Everyone competed well but there is only one winner in every competition. Our goal as an association is to build a vibrant society of chess players. It is initiatives like the Nico National Schools Chess League and university leagues that play a crucial role in achieving this vision,” Mizere said.
Malawi National Council of Sports Vice Board Chairperson Charles Ulaya Banda, who was the guest of honour, applauded Chessam’s efforts.
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“We are unwavering in our commitment to developing all sports in the country and events like these showcase the vibrancy of the sporting community,” Ulaya Banda said.
The tournament received financial support from the Fide Open Aid Project, Malawi Revenue Authority, Amaryllis Hotel, Instant Connections, Dadaz Chess Academy, Blantyre City South parliamentarian Noel Lipipa, Tutule Msukwa, Priyasha Shriyan and Paul Nyirenda.
