THE Zimbabwe chess team flew the country’s flag with distinction at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, after the men finished second in Africa and 56th overall to qualify for the next individual Chess World Cup.
A total of 12 athletes, six men and six women, represented the country at the event, which ran from September 10 to 22 in Budapest, Hungary.
A record 196 countries participated in the Open section (men), while 162 countries took part in the Women’s section, with the Zimbabwe Women Team finishing number 101 overall and ninth in Africa.
The Zimbabwe men’s teams consisted of Tapiwa Gora (captain), Farai Mandizha, Rodwell Makoto, Emarald Mushore, Roy Mwadzura and Vitalis Mapuranga in the men’s open section.
Agab Dozva captained the women's section, which also comprised Kudzanayi Charinda, Christine Makwena, Linda Dalitso Shaba, Colleta Wakuruwarewa and Tatenda Melissa Zengeni
Todd Mapingire, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) secretary-general, was the head of delegation and the congress delegate was the ZCF president Mucha Mkanganwi.
Mkanganwi was delighted with the team’s performance.
“We’re thrilled with our team’s achievements,” he said.
“This success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our platinum sponsors, Minerva Risk Advisors and The Pulse Group, who dressed the team for Budapest, Hungary.
“We look forward to continued growth and success in Zimbabwean chess.”
The Zimbabwe men’s team secured an automatic spot in the individual Chess World Cup alongside Egypt, South Africa and Algeria in Africa after finishing within the top 80 out of the 196 countries that were participating at this year’s event.
The team also finished the tournament in first position in the Sadc region, with the women’s team settling for sixth position.
In the C category, the Zimbabwe Open chess team finished second out of 15 countries, behind Ecuador on tiebreaker as both finished on 13 points, with Tajikistan coming third, while South Africa and New Zealand completed the top five, respectively.
In an individual capacity, Mushore and Mapuranga earned Candidate Master title after their splendid performance, while Makwena and Shaba also achieved Woman Candidate Master titles for their good fight.
Mkanganwi extended his heartfelt gratitude to other partners such as CBZ Bank, New World Property Managers, Crystal Candy and the owners of Joina City Harare, for giving a home to the Zimbabwe Chess Federation at the majestic facility.
The Zimbabwe Chess team is expected to touch down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at 5pm today.