Mphungu reigns supreme in Bumas Chess
The country’s sole Fide Master Gerald Mphungu underscored his superiority on the local chess ladder on Sunday when he triumphed during the Bumas Rapid Chess Tournament at Country Club Limbe (CCL) in Blantyre.
But it was not an easy task; he tied on 5.5 points with his runner-up Bright Nthara and third-placed Kajani Kaunda, but he finished top after a buchhols tie-breaking system separated them.
On his way to glory, the former national champion beat James Kamowa, Prescious Kamwendo, SRCL vice-chairperson Peter Jailosi and Davie Mfiti Banda, who finished fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respectively. He later drew with Nthara, Kaunda and Christopher Kajawo.
“It is quite a relief to emerge as champion in such a tight competition. Nevertheless, what matters most is the title and I am very happy about it,” said Mphungu.
For his success in this two-day Southern Region Chess league (SRCL) competition that attracted 16 contestants, Mphungu received K35 000 and a trophy while Nthara and Kaunda got K25 000 ($50) and K20 000 (about $40) respectively.
Margaret Ngugama, who won the recent Queens Gambit Ladies Championship, was the only female player during the contest last weekend. She finished on last but one position following a point she obtained after beating ninth-positioned Mike Msowoya.
Business and Management Systems (Bumas) International managing partner Derrick Lakudzala, who bankrolled the event to the tune of K150 000 (about $300), promised to continue sponsoring the annual event.
Joseph Nyambalo won the inaugural competition last year, but he could not defend the title because he is currently in Namibia where he is representing Malawi at the Africa Individual Chess Championships.
