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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation, in conjunction with Minerva Risk Advisors, will today host the biggest chess competition on the local chess calendar – The Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Tournament – at Joina City in the capital.

The US$10 000 four-day event will run until Monday and has attracted several top players from the Southern African region.

The Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Tournament comes just after the conclusion of another national chess competition, the Zimbabwe Easter Open Tournament.

Over 100 local and international participants confirmed their availability for this prestigious event in which the overall winner will walk away US$1 000.

The first edition of the tournament was held in December last year.

Emerald Mushore and Linda Shaba are the defending champions and are expected to be at their best if they are to successfully defend their titles from the invading chess masters from the region.

Zimbabwe’s highest ranked chess master, International Master Rodwell Makoto, is expected to grace the occasion.

The country’s top rated player in the men’s section, Makoto, who is based in South Africa, is expected to lead the local players in this tournament.

The Zimbabwe Chess Federation president, Collin Tongowona, said they are expecting a huge turn out and strong competition.

“We are anticipating a very competitive and very exciting chess battles. We haven’t had a prospect of such an event in the post Covid-19 era. A competition of Minerva Zim Open’s magnitude requires international participants to help boost the competition’s standards.

“We are grateful to Minerva Risk Advisors for the support they continue to render to chess. With such partnerships, chess has a bright future,” said Tongowona.