With a draw in his final sixth game of the men’s-A category, Mpinganjira reached the desired 5.5 points to clinch a title. He last won in 2004. Reigning Mdina Chess champion Edgar Khan finished as runner-up with five points whereas Gerald Mphungu settled for the third slot with 4.5 points.
During this third-edition final, Mpinganjira outfoxed some of the competition’s toughest gladiators like defending champion James Kamowa, Khan, Kajani Kaunda and Chuma Mwale to win the trophy and a K15 000 cash prize.
Again, lady luck smiled at him as he pipped to the post out-going SRCL chairperson Susan Namangale. He amassed 25 votes against Namangale’s 17.
His sister Ellen clinched the ladies’ category title. She topped the list with 5.5 points, the same as her runner-up Linda Jambo, but she did it after a buccholz tie breaker.
Defending champion Vitumbiko Gondwe took position three with four points. Charles Nathaniel ruled supreme in the men’s B section.
“I thank God for this double success. I ask Him to guide me through the two years I will be the chairperson,†Mpinganjira said after receiving his trophy from Lab Enterprises’ representative Lawman Lipipa.
While accepting defeat in front of Sports Council executive secretary George Jana, Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) vice-president Mark Chikoko, general secretary Leonard Sharra and chess players, Namangale promised to work together with the newly elected committee.
Jana, who was the guest of honour at the event, urged the new SRCL committee to work towards improving the standards of the sport.
