THE third edition of the CABS Candidates Chess Tournament, held at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) from 5 to 8 December, concluded with remarkable excitement and fierce competition.
Sponsored by CABS Bank, this year’s tournament brought together 269 chess players across four sections, showcasing the growing popularity of chess in Zimbabwe and the success of the initiative to decentralise the game.
The tournament saw an all-time high turnout, with 121 participants in the Open Section, 30 in the Ladies Section, 39 in the Under-16 Prestige Section, and 79 in the Under-16 Development Section.
The commitment to inclusivity was evident as players from various backgrounds gathered to compete, further enriching the chess community in Bulawayo.
Defending champion Tanaka Katsande claimed victory for the second consecutive year in the Open Section, securing an intense win in the penultimate round against Castro Sibanda, who had been unbeaten prior to the match.
Katsande’s performance was a testament to his skill and determination, and the talented player said it was not an easy journey to victory but was pleased to have crossed the line in the end.
“I actually had little hope of winning the tournament despite being the 2023 champion. The tournament had many competitive players, and it was unpredictable who would come out victorious. I felt overwhelmed and unbelievably happy when I won my final game, as it was the last match against Castro. With my prayer, sweat, and faith, I eventually emerged victorious,” said Katsande.
The Ladies Section was dominated by Ropafadzo Dube, who finished with an outstanding score of 8/9, remaining undefeated throughout the event. Her success reinforced the importance of female representation in chess, further inspiring future generations of female players.
Dube, who won a gold medal at the CUCSA Games in South Africa in June, also expressed her gratitude for her victory.
“It still feels unreal, while at the same time exciting. It feels like I have finally been awarded for the work I have been putting into my career and passion,” said Dube.
The Under-16 Prestige Section saw an exciting upset as unrated player Nathan Moyo triumphed over the favourite, Mutendi Anesu, finishing with an impressive score of 6.5/7.
In the Under-16 Development Section, Makoni Anesu achieved a perfect score of 5/5, showcasing exceptional talent among young players. The tournament was characterised by intense battles and unexpected twists, captivating participants and spectators alike.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) Vice-President Elvis Shora expressed his appreciation for the event’s success.
“We are grateful to CABS Bank for their generous sponsorship of this prestigious event in Bulawayo. Their support has been vital in making this tournament a reality and in nurturing our chess community. It was a great tournament, and we are pleased with the attendance numbers.
“As ZCF, we are committed to ensuring that chess is played in all corners of Zimbabwe, starting from the development level. We want to create a Russia-like environment where everyone, from a young age, is a chess player, which in turn will help with their academics. Chess is a key element in educational development.
“We are looking forward to more great initiatives like this that support the development of the game not only in the major cities but across all of Zimbabwe,” said Shora.
ZCF Communications and Public Relations Director Agab Dozva shared similar sentiments with Shora.
“This tournament not only highlights the skills of our players but also emphasises our commitment to promoting chess as a key element of cultural and educational development in Zimbabwe,” he said
