Francis sisters give impressive showing in Baku

Onkemetse Francis
Onkemetse Francis

Sisters, Onkemetse and Thapelo Francis are something to write home about thanks to an impressive showing during the kick-off of the 42nd World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Despite the Francis sisters being in a team that is otherwise performing below par, Tuesday night saw the Woman International Master, Onkemetse ending Round Five as the top ranked player in the Botswana team and among the Top 20 in Board One, remaining undefeated since the beginning of the world showpiece.  She now has 3.5 out of a possible five points.

 In the five games Onkemetse has played thus far, she secured three draws in the opening round against Austria, in the third round against Malaysia, and in the fifth round against South Korea on Tuesday evening, in a round in which all the Botswana women emerged with draws. 

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up