The final two rounds of the 2017 Swaziland Open were concluded yesterday morning and were swiftly followed by the blitz event which was contested over 7 rounds in the afternoon.
The open section title came down to the wire and was eventually shared between CM Musa Simutowe from Zambia and Joseph Mwale of Malawi. Both scored an impressive 5.5/6 to earn a share of the winner's spoils. CM Donaldo Paiva from Mozambique beat his compatriot Milton Botoa in the 6th and final round to end on 5/6 and secure 3rd place on his own.
The same 4 players were to feature prominently in the blitz event as well. In this case it was CM Musa Simutowe and CM Donaldo Paiva who cam out on top however. Both scored 6/7 to edge out Joseph and Milton who ended in a tie for 3rd place with 5.5/7 each.
The top placed Swazi player in the open section was the consistent Fungai Matahwa who has also featured prominently in the Phela Live tournament held earlier in the year. The blitz event also unearthed a new local talent in the form of Keith Dube who recorded an excellent 5/7 to end in 5th place overall in this section. Keith is currently unrated but has immediately established himself as a player to look out for in the future.
The development section was played in parallel with the main event and featured 20 local emerging players. In this section, Simphiwe Dlamini and Fakudze Nduduzo shared first place with 5/6 each.
Full results from all three sections as well as players rating adjustments can now be accessed at http://chess-results.com/tnr317077.aspx?lan=1
KCF Africa would specifically like to thank the Swaziland National Sports & Recreation Council for the financial support they provided to the tournament. It is very encouraging to see chess receiving support at this level from the official national sports body and we hope to be able to partner with them for future events as well.
The open section title came down to the wire and was eventually shared between CM Musa Simutowe from Zambia and Joseph Mwale of Malawi. Both scored an impressive 5.5/6 to earn a share of the winner's spoils. CM Donaldo Paiva from Mozambique beat his compatriot Milton Botoa in the 6th and final round to end on 5/6 and secure 3rd place on his own.
The same 4 players were to feature prominently in the blitz event as well. In this case it was CM Musa Simutowe and CM Donaldo Paiva who cam out on top however. Both scored 6/7 to edge out Joseph and Milton who ended in a tie for 3rd place with 5.5/7 each.
The top placed Swazi player in the open section was the consistent Fungai Matahwa who has also featured prominently in the Phela Live tournament held earlier in the year. The blitz event also unearthed a new local talent in the form of Keith Dube who recorded an excellent 5/7 to end in 5th place overall in this section. Keith is currently unrated but has immediately established himself as a player to look out for in the future.
The development section was played in parallel with the main event and featured 20 local emerging players. In this section, Simphiwe Dlamini and Fakudze Nduduzo shared first place with 5/6 each.
Full results from all three sections as well as players rating adjustments can now be accessed at http://chess-results.com/tnr317077.aspx?lan=1
KCF Africa would specifically like to thank the Swaziland National Sports & Recreation Council for the financial support they provided to the tournament. It is very encouraging to see chess receiving support at this level from the official national sports body and we hope to be able to partner with them for future events as well.
