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Takudzwa Chitsiga : Sports Reporter

GOROMONZI High Form One student Hazel Ruzani conquered the continent when she won the best Under-14 world Youth Chess Championships in Port Elizabeth in South Africa. She said she was rewarded for her hard work. “It was not easy for me to reach this far as I started to take chess seriously after my father taught me the sport.“We started the journey last year where I won the national finals in my category and I was the only Under 14 from the country who travelled with the team.

“In the first round I played against Nairo Sitoi from Mozambique and won and I went on to play against Besa Masaiti from Botswana and won.

“From the third round until the sixth I lost to Nina Marais and Elani Smith both of South Africa as well as Namibian Annabel Khone.

“My moment of glory came after those rounds when I met Raisa Wanjiku of Kenya and my confidence increased when I beat Hermman Maxime from Algeria.

“In the last two rounds I got the better of Kenya’s Ednah Wagari as well as the tournament’s highest-ranked player, Egyptian Comesela Evanda, which was the greatest achievement.

“For defeating Evanda I walked away with a floating trophy,” said Ruzani.

Goromonzi headmaster, Abisha Mujeni, was thrilled with the achievements.