The Steward Bank sponsored Easter Open Chess tournament kicked-off amid pomp and fanfare with over 100 players competing for top honours across three different categories at Joina City in Harare yesterday.
Steward Bank partnered the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) as title sponsors and the competition is set to conclude on Monday.
The financial institution is the latest bank to join efforts with ZCF in the efforts of reviving and promoting the royal game of chess, after CABS and CBZ.
“Zimbabwe Chess Federation is excited for the growth and support chess continues to receive from the corporate sector. Steward Bank is the latest financial institution after CABS and CBZ to come forward in supporting this lovely sport,” ZCF president Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi.
“Chess is in critical need of such support, especially in the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chess in Zimbabwe is slowly rising and we are certain our key tournament budgets will soon match those of countries like Kenya which can have a total budget of US$42 000 and attracting the international community. We are challenged by such heights and we believe we will also get there,” he said.
Steward Bank has extended a hand in supporting chess with an initial sponsorship of $5 million.
The Easter Open has been in existence for over three decades and draws competitors from all over the country’s boarders as well as international players within the Sadc region.
Players will compete in three categories namely the Open Section, the Ladies Section and the Development (Under-16).
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This is the first Open over-the-board national chess competition in 2023 and as usual, such events have lots of surprises.
Top male participants have graced the event with defending champion and national team player Spencer Masango, former national champion Jemusse Zhemba, Roy Mwadzura, Emarald Mushore to mention but a few, expected to challenge for victory.
Fireworks and stiff competition is expected in the Ladies category among Zimbabwe’s top 10 players.
Kudzanayi Charinda, Linda Shaba, Refiloe Mudodo, Tatenda Zengeni and Colletta Wakuruwarewa should make for an interesting competition.
One big name missing the Steward Bank Easter Open is Christine Makwena who will be hunting in the Serengeti at the 2023 Kenya Open.
