Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) has drawn lessons from the just-ended World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, after the country failed to breakthrough into the top 100.
In the open section, Malawi’s men ended on position 122 out of 196 participating countries whereas in the women’s section, the side finished on position 144 in a category that attracted 181 teams.
Chessam Publicity Secretary Francisco Mwangupiri said it was a competition of mixed fortunes.
“The women’s team performed well outplaying some teams. However they lost to some teams that are apparently at par with us in terms of strength. It highlights that we have some serious improvement to do,” Mwangupiri said.
- Advertisement -
However, Mwangupiri lauded two youthful ladies, 14-year-old Rachel Jaylos and 26-year-old Tupokiwe Msukwa, who secured Woman Candidate Master (WCM) titles.
- Advertisement -
“New titles highlight a positive direction for the country and Chessam will continue promoting chess to the younger generation,” he said.
The Chessam Publicity Secretary said the men’s side needs to pull their socks up.
“The open [men’s] team did their best. They won all matches against countries that are apparently at par in strength. The losses were against teams that are quite stronger than us and it highlights that we also have to improve as a country,” he said.
During the competition, the men’s team won five matches and six defeats to finish with 10 points whereas the women’s side ended with eight points.
- Advertisement -
India emerged champions in both the open and women’s section having amassed 21 points and 19 points, respectively.
United States of America finished as runners-up in the open section while Uzbekistan ended on third. The two countries were tied at 17 points each but were separated using a tie-breaker.
In the open section, Malawi featured captain Leonard Mbwana, Fide Master (FM) Joseph Mwale, Candidate Master (CM) Chiletso Chipanga, CM Petros Mwale, CM George Mwale and Precious Kamwendo whereas the women’s team had skipper Msukwa, Women Fide Master (WFM) Linda Jambo, Susan Namangale, Anne Simwaba and Jaylos.
Chessam President Mpilo Mizere and leader of delegation Jonathan Ibrahim were part of the trip.
