Chiletso Chipanga wins Paul-Mike Chess Tourney
Candidate master Chiletso Chipanga on Sunday emerged winner of the inaugural Paul-Mike Individual Chess Tournament at Don Bosco Hall in Area 23, Lilongwe.
Chipanga outplayed Alfred Chimthere in a 12-game finals that started in February. He massed 6-5 points while Chimthere finished on 5-5 points.
In the last three games, which were played at Don Bosco on Saturday and Sunday, Chimthere needed to win all of them to upset the tables as he was trailing by two points.
Out of a required three points, he managed two points from a single win and two draws.
Chimthere, who congratulated his counterpart for the victory, attributed the defeat to school commitments at the Polytechnic where he is pursuing a degree in journalism.
“I did not have enough time to prepare well. I tried to force myself to be at my best, but my colleague was also at his best,” said Chimthere.
Chipanga who was on cloud nine attributed his victory to self-confidence.
“I believed in myself from the start that I can do it. I must confess that the journey was tough as I faced great names in chess and to emerge the last man standing gives me the motivation to aim higher,” said Chipanga.
As champion, he will receive K50 000 (about $125) while Chimthere will get K20 000 (about $50) at a prize presentation to be held within the next two weeks.
Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) publicist Gilton Mkumbwa said the tournament has helped players to sharpen their skills.
The tournament was co-sponsored by Mike Mishali and Paul Nyirenda to the tune of K150 000 (about $175) each.
