Africa Junior Chess reps identified

The search for Malawi’s representatives at the Africa Junior Chess Championships scheduled for December 7-13 in Lusaka, Zambia is finally over following the hosting of the national finals at St. Andrew’s International High School last weekend.

The competition saw Zane Sheriff, Yebo Sanga, Tafadzwa Linje, Gift Wayilala, Davies Ngwira and Martin Namakhwa making it in the boys category while Daisy Huwa, Michelle Chimbe, Anne Simwawa, Oprah Phiri, Ulemu Mbewe and Tupokiwe Msukwa did it in the ladies’ section.

But it was not easy for Mbewe, one of the country’s flag carriers at the continental showpiece last year, to sail through as she tied with Lilongwe-based rising star Jennifer Mwenebanda and she had to be dragged to a play-off to survive the chop by half a point.

Malawi’s male representative last year Adrian Mhango did not fight for a slot in this year’s edition of the Africa Championships because he is currently studying in Russia following a chess specialisation scholarship he secured last month.

Stand-in national schools chess coordinator Margaret Ngugama said the qualifiers, which involved over 200 pupils from regional level, were very competitive and they are hopeful the country’s ambassadors will pluck some medals in Lusaka.

“The tournament was so tight that we had to use play-offs to break some ties at some point,” she said.

She, however, said those that have not qualified for the international contest can still represent the country if they manage to provide their own transport and accommodation. n