Mdina Business Solutions managing director Tiwone Mdina has given the Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) K120 000 (about $352) for this weekend’s exclusive open championship.
The event will act as qualifiers for the K300 000 (about $882) Paul and Mike Individual National Chess Tournament at Beit Cure Hospital in Blantyre.
In an interview yesterday, the South Africa-based businessperson said his support is in appreciation of the conduct of both the players and the organisers during the recent annual Mdina Business Solutions Chess Championships.
“This is just to encourage chess players and competition organisers to keep up the good work. Otherwise, I am impressed with their behaviour and I promise more financial support towards the development of the mental sport in Malawi,” said Mdina.
He used to play chess as he studied engineering at the University of Malawi’s constituent college, Polytechnic.
According to SRCL publicist Makhosi Nyirenda, apart from qualifying for the Paul and Mike finals, winners of the two-day event will receive cash prizes.
The best two players during the SRCL event will battle for the K50 000 (about $142) first-prize during the Paul and Mike National Finals alongside the Central Region Chess League (CRCL) and the Northern Region Chess League (NRCL) representatives in June.
Last weekend, CRCL identified former national champions Alfred Chimthere and Gerald Mphungu as its ambassadors. The NRCL is expected to produce its flag carriers this weekend.
