Candidate Master Chiletso Chipanga has become the country’s top-rated chess player by the world chess governing body, Fide, following the latest rankings.
Malawi has 77 rated players.
With a rating of 2099, the Paul-Mike Chess championship title-holder has moved up four places to displace South Africa-based chess whiz-kid Joseph Mwale, who is now on position two with 2088.
“This is the greatest achievement in my chess playing career and I am excited. However, I will fight hard to continue improving my status on the global scale,” said the 28-year-old.
In an interview on Thursday, Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) president Kezzie Msukwa described Chipanga’s rise as a deserved achievement.
“He has been outstanding and consistently organised in recent competitions,” said Msukwa.
Candidate Master Alfred Chimthere, George Mwale, Rumbani Mkamanga, Richard Mbedza, Khama Chindole and Chuma Mwale complete the top-10 list with 2005, 2000, 1993, 1970 1964 and 1957 respectively. n
