Chessam identifies junior squad
Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) has identified a junior national squad to represent the country at Africa Junior Chess Championship in Zambia next month.
The identification follows a day-long qualifying tournament held at Saint Andrews International High School in Blantyre over the weekend.
According to stand- in national coordinator for Chess in schools, Margaret Ngugama, the qualifying games were competitive.
“The tournament was so tight that we had to use play-offs to break some ties,” she said.
At the end of the qualifying tournament, the following players qualified; Zane Sheriff (under- 8), Yebo Sanga (under-10), Tafadzwa Linje (under-12), Gift Wayilala (under-14), Davies Ngwira (under-16) and Martin Namakhwa (under-18) in boys’ category.
The girls’ category saw Daisy Huwa (under-8), Mishelle Chimbe (under-10), Anne imwawa (under-12), Oprah Phiri (under -14), Ulemu Mbewe (under-16) and Tupokiwe Msukwa (under-18) qualifying.
It was quite dramatic in the girls’ under-16 category, when last year’s representative, Ulemu Mbewe, had to qualify by the skin of her teeth as she was dragged to a tricky play-off against Lilongwebased, Jennifer Mwenebanda, which she won by half a point.
Missing out from the list is last year’s boys’ representative, Adrian Mhango, who is currently studying in Russia following the Degree with Chess Specialisation Scholarship he won last month.
However, Ngugama said the juniors that did not qualify can still make it to Zambia if they find their own transport and accommodation.
The Africa champion will take place from December 7 to 13 in Lusaka, Zambia. Chessam publicist, Makhosi Nyirenda, said the players would have to be thoroughly drilled before leaving for Zambia.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
