Malawians struggle at Zone 4.3 Chess
The going appears tough for Malawian players, especially male representatives, at the ongoing Africa Zone 4.3 Chess Championships the country is hosting at Shire Highlands Hotel in Blantyre.
So far, three rounds have elapsed in the nine-round competition, but none of the country’s eight male ambassadors has won a game or plucked a draw in the Open section, which has 22 contestants.
Placed on 12th slot on the third day of the week long competition on Sunday, Misheck Nyirenda is the player currently holding the best position for Malawi in the section followed by Alfred Chimthere on 13 and George Mwale on 15.
Fide Master Gerald Mphungu, who missed the first two rounds due to some other commitments, has taken the 18th place while Wilson Chingati and Davie Mawango are on 19 and 20, in that order. Richard Chiona anchors the log-table.
Zimbabwe’s International Master Rodwell Mokoto leads the pack with 2.5 points after two wins and a draw. Zambian Fide Master Andrew Kayonde and Angolan International Master Catarino Domingos also have the same points, but they are on second and third positions, respectively, after been separated by a Bucholoz tie-breaking system.
“It has indeed been a tough going for us so far. However, we might pull up our socks in the next games,” said Chimthere.
It is only the 12-player ladies’ category that might give the ‘home ground advantage’ adage the deserved respect and save the country’s pride as Candidate Master Linda Jambo has earned two points and is currently on fourth position. She is closely followed by Tupokiwe Msukwa on a single point.
