Mdina Chess finals turned into open contest

Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) has nullified all qualifiers for Mdina Business Solutions Tournament, effectively turning this weekend’s finals at Illala Crest Lodge in Mzuzu into an open contest.

This means every chess player is now eligible to battle for the crowns that will come with K100 000 prize in the men’s category and K60 000 in the ladies’ section.

According to Chessam publicist Makhosi Nyirenda, the decision was reached after most of the individuals that made it through the qualifiers at regional level failed to cater for their own transport and accommodation expenses at the two-day finals, as per the requirement of the contest.

“After thorough discussions through a series of emergency meetings involving all stakeholders in the Mdina North Tournament equation, it has been unanimously agreed that the contest will be an open tournament in both sections.

“This means we will nullify the qualifiers. Quite a hard decision to make, but given the circumstances, we had to. Now, anyone is free to take part in the event. By doing this, we hope to give the event a national face at all cost,” he said.

Nyirenda said other details like registration fee for the contest will be given by this afternoon.

“May all regional league chairpersons inform their members about the latest development,” he said.