Matiyasi takes Blantyre draughts crown

Jalasi Matiyasi continued to haunt fellow draughts players on Sunday as he triumphed during the Blantyre Monthly Tournament at Namalimwe Primary School in Ndirande Township.
This is his second title he has won in three months. In January, he won during the regional finals at the Sports Council offices in Blantyre.
On Sunday, Matiyasi collected 49 points, outclassing 30 other contestants, including his runner-up Aaron Kayuni (45 points) and third-placed Chikondi Matope (40 points). He took home a gold medal and a K5 000 winner’s purse.
Out of 27games, he won 24, drew one and lost two while Kayuni won 19, drew seven and lost one. Matope registered 18 wins, four draws and five defeats.
“This was the toughest competition I have participated in. I am happy that I have won the title,” said Matiyasi.
According to Association of Draughts in Malawi (Adma) general secretary Suzgo Nkhoma, the monthly events, which will soon be introduced in other districts, aim at preparing the players for national and international championships.