Zambians miss Mdina Chess finals, heavyweights struggle

Zambian top-rated players Chanda Nsakanya and Linus Katembe failed to turn up at Hotel Victoria in Blantyre as the national finals of Mdina Chess Championships rolled into action on Friday.
According to Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) publicist Gilton Mkumbwa, the Zambians, who were to play as guests to add value to this player-rating event, confirmed that they were on their way to Malawi as of Wednesday, but they were nowhere to be seen at the three-day event.
“Up to now we do not know where they are. However, they would not be considered for the event if they show up because that would be too late,” Mkumbwa said on Friday. As we went to press yesterday, the two had not yet shown up.
The contest began on a thrilling note as two of the country’s highest-rated players, defending champion Chiletso Chipanga and Alfred Chimthere, were defeated in their opening games.
Chipanga stuttered to up-and-coming star Mayamiko Zulu whereas Chimthere was defeated by Chessam honorary treasurer Joseph Chalemba. Chimthere also lost to South Africa-based national champion Joseph Mwale.
Seeded Presidential Chess champion Gerald Mphungu and Petros Mfune won all their three games each to top the 17-player log table with three points on the first day.
Chimthere’s loss to Chalemba was of particular interest because it surprised everyone to see the latter turning the tables when it was obvious the former national champion was in the comfort zone.
Chimthere was bishop-up when Chalemba generated a tricky problem for his opponent with 10 minutes to go. He advanced two pawns into the danger-zone for conversion into queens. Chimthere had no choice but to offer his bishop for a pawn. His only rook also went for the remaining pawn. Chalemba seized control with a rook before Chimthere surrendered. n