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Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter

THE 2023 edition of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Tournament was officially opened yesterday with title sponsor Minerva Risk Advisors promising to come on board again next year.

The partnership between Zimbabwe Chess Federation, and Minerva will lapse this year after a three-year marriage.

Speaking at the official opening, Minerva representative Lydia Tanyanyiwa said they were happy to have a cordial working relationship with ZCF and are hopeful they will committee again for a long term partnership.

“We are happy with the way chess has improved over the years and as a sport they did not have many sponsors and we decided to come on board. 

“We are happy that we have managed to host the competition for the past three years and we are hopeful we will come back next year.

The sport is good as it incorporates young players and adults so we have seen it prudent to partner the federation,” said Tanyanyiwa.

The US$10 000 four-day event began on Thursday and will run until Monday.

Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Tournament comes just after the conclusion of another national chess competition, the Zimbabwe Easter Open Tournament which was won by Emerald Mushore in the men’s section and Paidaishe Zengeni.

This year’s tournament has attracted a huge field with seven countries sending in representatives.

Over 200 local and international participants are taking part in the prestigious event in which the overall winner will walk away US$1 300 and US$1 000 for men and women categories respectively.

The Zimbabwe Chess Federation president, Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi, said they are happy with the turnout and is looking forward to a strong competition.