Zimpapers Logo

Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
KENNETH Ruchaka and Nomalungelo Mathe were the biggest winners at the 2022 Bulawayo Chess Association (BCA) Tuverl candidates tournament which was held at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) over the weekend.

Nomalungelo Mathe receiving her prize

Ruchaka won the open section accumulating five and a half points off a possible six while Mathe scooped the women’s category with the same number of points as her male counterpart.

From the six rounds, both Ruchaka and Mathe won five and drew one each. The open section had a total of 64 participants while on the women’s side, there were 14 players in total. Mathe is however no stranger to winning having won the National 2022 Chess Candidates Tournament in August.

National University of Science and Technology

Ruchaka took home US$230 for the win, while second-placed Zhemba Jemusse pocketed US$180. Third-placed Spencer Moyo won US$130. In the women’s section, the winner Mathe went home with US$200 while second-placed Christine Makwena got US$150 and in third place, Samukeliso Dube pocketed US$100.

The other events that were competed for are the under-10s and under-14 sections which were won by Andile Corn Mpofu and Tapiwa Muyambo respectively. The two youngsters took home US$40 and US$50 for the wins.

The best over-50 player was awarded US$50 and the best Under-16 also got the same amount.

A spokesperson for BCA said he is happy with the way the tournament and in terms of participation. He also encouraged other players who did not get the required result to keep pushing and never give up.

“This was a successful event and the biggest prized so far in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe in 2022, we are very happy as the Bulawayo Chess Association. The numbers tailed well and players from other places like Harare, Gwanda and Victoria Falls graced us with their presence, which speaks volumes on its own.

“There is always room for improvement in the game of chess and with more FIDE-rated tournaments next year, the charts will definitely scale up. Everyone that participated showed a kindred spirit and all ages did their utmost best performance,” he said.

The next event on the calendar is the Bulawayo Championships which is slated for December however, the final dates are yet to be confirmed. — @brandon_malvin