THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has announced the continuation of its partnership with Minerva Risk Advisors, who will sponsor the Zimbabwe Open Chess tournament for the fifth consecutive year.
Branded the Minerva Zimbabwe Open, the tournament is set to take place from August 20 to 24 at Joina City in Harare.
This enduring collaboration underscores Minerva's deep-rooted commitment to fostering strategic thinking and nurturing talent within the Zimbabwean sporting landscape.
Over the past four editions, Minerva's unwavering support has been pivotal in elevating the profile of chess in the country, providing an invaluable platform for local and international players to showcase their skills and develop their game.
ZCF public relations and communications director Agab Dozva expressed gratitude for Minerva's continued dedication.
"We are grateful for Minerva's unwavering support and commitment to Zimbabwean chess. Their sponsorship has significantly contributed to the growth and development of our sport, and we look forward to another successful tournament," he said.
Minerva Zimbabwe Open promises to be an exhilarating event, drawing top players from across Zimbabwe and the wider Sub-Saharan region. The Open and ladies competitions will once again be held at the iconic Joina City's 16th floor, while a new development section for players Under -14 will be hosted at Dominican Convent school in Harare.
The tournament will be played in a 9-round Swiss format, ensuring intense and competitive play.
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New World Properties will also support the event.
In 2023, the event saw 26 foreign players from Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa and Italy, a testament to its growing international appeal.
Despite the influx of international talent, the Minerva Zimbabwe Open has proven to be a challenging conquest for foreign players. Zambian International Master Gilian Bwalya stands as the sole foreigner to have claimed the championship in its recent history, having won in 2022.
The 2025 edition is anticipated to see Bwalya and other formidable players like Zambians FM Mwale Joseph, Kaoma Micheal, Daka Justin, and Motswana IM Oathoste Providence vying to conquer the Zimbabwean chess terrain.
A unique aspect of the Minerva Open is that no player has managed to win the Open Section twice since Minerva's sponsorship began. This highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and the depth of talent within Zimbabwean chess. WCM Kudzanayi Charinda, however, has defied this trend in the Ladies section, securing victories in 2021 and 2022.
ZCF secretary and tournament director, Bruce Kadzviti, confirmed that preparations for the event are well underway.
"We are working so hard to ensure that the 5th edition of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open is going to live up to its billing as the biggest event in the country. Preparations are already underway to create an event that is going to be memorable for all stakeholders by matching international standards expected of all tournaments of this nature.
"As the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, we treasure all the support that we keep getting from Minerva and New World Properties. This support has carried us through to this 5th edition in an environment that is difficult for many other sports. We are indeed very grateful for this continued support."
Defending champions FM Roy Mwadzura (Open section) and WCM Refiloe Mudodo (Ladies section), who triumphed in 2024, will face stiff competition as they seek to retain their titles.
