By ELIAS CHIPEPO – INTERNATIONAL Master (IM) Kelvin Chumfwa started the year on a high, winning the Zimbabwe Open Chess Championship that was dominated by Zambians.
Chumfwa, however, had it rough as he finished tied on 9.5 points with fellow Zambian Richmond Phiri but emerged champion on head-to-head as the duo shared the US$1,600 (about K9,000).
Chitumbo Mwali, also an IM, was third on nine points to get $800 (about K4,400) with Castro Sibande restoring some pride for the host nation finishing fourth on eight points.
Sibande pocketed $350 along with five other players that finished fourth. These included Zambia’s Gillian Bwalya and Bright Muyenga, Mufaro Mangono, Daniel Jere (IM) and Juda Simulundu.
Zhemba Jemusse, James Dimba, Farai Janyure, Bismark Bhobhojani, Kela Kaulule, Godwin Phiri, Munashe Ziome, Providence Oatlhotse and Rodwel Makoto who all got USS $20 (about K112).
Meanwhile, Epah Tembo pocketed US$400 (about K2,200) for finishing the tournament as the women best player having competed in the combined category managing 7.5 points.
