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Brandon Moyo, [email protected]

GIFFORD Boys High School in Bulawayo is set to play host to the much anticipated 2023 CABS Candidates Chess Tournament, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has revealed.

The premier national chess tournament which brings the best players from all over the country will run from December 2-5.

This prestigious event, open to Zimbabweans of all ages, will showcase the nation’s top chess talents across three distinct categories: the Open Category, Women’s Category, and the Development U16 Category.

In a statement, ZCF Secretary General, Todd Mapangire said they are looking forward to an interesting tournament and are grateful to their sponsors, CABS for their continued support. The tournament awards players the opportunity to compete in the national championships.

“We are extremely grateful to CABS Zimbabwe for their continued support of the Candidates Chess Tournament. This edition promises to be highly competitive and exciting as players battle for the privilege to compete in the National Championships next year.

“We look forward to witnessing the immense talent on display and the intense battles on the chessboard. The chess community is in for a thrilling festive season with the Victoria Falls Academy Inaugural Chess Tournament 25-29 November, the CABS Candidates Tournament and the National Chess Championship to be held December, all things being constant,” said Mapangire.

The tournament is set to become one of the most lucrative chess tournaments in the country as it boasts of a staggering prize fund of $25 million. Over the course of four days, participants will engage in nine rounds of intense chess, culminating in the crowning of the champions in each category.

The Candidates Tournament, a key event on the national chess calendar which is steeped in tradition, is set to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and determination.

The 2022 edition was won by Mugove Muririma, Nomalungelo Mathe and Tadiwanashe Muyambo in the Open, Women’s and Development (U16) Sections respectively. Muririma and Mathe are set to participate in this year’s edition of the National Championships to battle it out for a place in the national team.

Bulawayo based young players are expected to make waves in this year’s edition, these being Blessing Moyo, Donald Mbondo, who was recently in Mexico for the World Junior Championships, Alms Machenedzero and Banenkosi Ndiweni, who both participated in the African Youth Championships in Egypt recently.

Chess enthusiasts, players, and supporters have been encouraged to mark their calendars and join in the excitement of the 2023 CABS Candidates Chess Tournament. —  @brandon_malvin