CASTRO Sibanda of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) defied all odds at Founders High School on Sunday to beat Bulawayo Chess Club (BCC)’s Nigel Mabiza to retain the Champion of Champions chess tournament title.
RONALD MOYO SPORTS REPORTER
The tournament saw players fighting it out in a nine-game round robin format. Sibanda and Mabiza both won seven of their nine matches and the two had to engage in a four-game tie-break of in which Sibanda outclassed his opponent winning three matches.
“The tournament was good and the level of play has improved. I believe if we maintain this standard we would be capable of improving the quality of the sport in Bulawayo.
“I feel great after retaining the title considering that it was a photo finish against a strong player who had a fine run throughout the tournament,” Sibanda said.
For winning the tournament, Sibanda walked away with $200. Mabiza pocketed $150 while Kudakwashe Sibanda of Nust got $100 for coming third.
BCC’s Moses Mutipforo, Russel Dzete, Ronald Chimhanzi, Knowledge Ndlovu and Bruce Mhondiwa took positions four to eight respectively while the Nust pair of Junior Ndlovu and Eshward Mudhumo finished ninth and 10th. Bulawayo Chess Club spokesperson Mutipforo who also took part in the tournament said the games went well and there were greater plans for next year’s edition.
“The tournament was good, serve for lack of sponsors. We hope that next year’s edition will be even much better as we are looking forward to introducing a women’s category,” he said.
