Preps for Junior Chess Championship start
Preparations for 2016 Africa Junior Chess Championship started over the weekend in Mzuzu with a two-day boys tournament held at Katoto Secondary School.
Rombani Kalua from Royal Private Secondary School left an indelible mark as he emerged the best among the 20 junior chess players that took part in the tournament.
He won all his six games during the tournament.
“I am happy that I have won all my games in this tournament. My focus is to be a rated player while I am in the junior category. With this good start, it is also possible that I will secure a space in the national junior squad,” said Kalua.
David Ngwira, from Katoto Secondary School, came second having amassed five points from five games while Darwin Kaira scooped third position after registering three wins.
According to Northern Region Chess League (NRCL) chairperson Isaac Mumba, 12 players will represent the country at Africa Junior Chess Championship to take place in Port Elizabeth, South Africa in August.
“We thought it wise to start preparations for this year’s continental tournament in South Africa as soon as possible. It is nice that during today’s preparatory tournament the response was very good. The competition was stiff and the standard of play was marvellous,” said Mumba.
Chessam president Kezie Msukwa said they are focusing on securing a Grand Master out of the junior chess squad.
According to Msukwa, out of 12 players that took part in the last edition of the regional competition held in Zambia, five won five games out of the six they were allocated. n
