Draughts national champion leaves for world championships

National draughts champion Enock Banda is today expected to fly to Russia for the World Draughts Championships slated for October 3 to 11.

He will be accompanied by the Association of Draughts in Malawi (Adma) general secretary Suzgo Nkhoma.

Initially, Banda was supposed to leave together with his runner-up Madalitso Thom and Nkhoma.

However, Thom has been left out due to inadequate funds since the association raised only K1.1 million instead of the required K3 million.

Banda’s trip, whose accommodation and meal expenses will be met by the International Draughts Federation (IDF), could have as well flopped had it not been for the Malawi National Council of Sports contribution of K800 000 and financial assistance from well-wishers.

The well-wishers included Minister of Sports and Culture Grace Chiumia, Adma president Misheck Munthali, Jabroma Studios, Ackson Mkandawire and American draughts grandmaster Jake Kacher.

“I am grateful to those that have contributed towards the trip. I can assure you that I will do my best to make the country proud,” said Banda who has won the last two national championships without a loss in 100 games.

He said the fact that he has been trained online by Kacher for the past few months, makes him capable of hunting for the global title.

Nkhoma said apart from paying for air-tickets, the funds realised have been used for visa and tournament fees.