Sabure, Oathotse are National Chess Champs
Monkagedi Gaothobogwe | Wednesday April 8, 2015 17:31
Oathotse clinched the 2015 men’s title flawlessly as he went through all his nine games unbeaten on his way to collecting his P9,000 cash prize.
Oathotse, who entered the national chess finals as the highest rated player in the absence of defending champion Phemelo Khetho, only drew twice with Thabo Gumpo and Abdul Kamara.
The 2011 Metropolitan champion, Abel Dzilani finished second on six points while Gumpo and Thato Olebile finished with 5.5 and 5 points respectively in the 10-man field.In the women’s section though, lesser opponents in Mukhozeni Koziba and Mabedi Mbo shocked Sabure as the former snatched a draw from the GM and Mbo won her encounter with Sabure in round six.
Another popular name, Boikhutso Mudongo experienced probably her darkest finals. Her string of good showing was halted in round four, courtesy of Sabure, before Onkemetse Francis and Kgalalelo Botlhole got draws from her.
This was followed by a loss to Thapelo Francis, as the former champion finished third this time around.
The four newcomers to this level of competition finished in the bottom four, but not without making an impression. Koziba finished the tournament on 3.5 points, while Thatayaone Seleka garnered three points. Kgomotso Ndachipiwa finished with 2.5 points while Mabedi had 1.5 points.