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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

THE Zimbabwe prisons chess team won a silver medal in the first edition of the Inter-continental inmates virtual chess tournament.

The tourney featured 31 countries, and 40 teams. Zimbabwe, who were the only African team, were the underdogs but pulled through to reach the finals, were they lost 4,5-3,5, to Mongolia. In the run up to the final local prisoners, represented by Aleck “Heavy Heavy” Mushowani, Desmond Marufu, Leo Matibe and Nhamo Matemamombe saw off challenges from the United States, Netherlands, Russia and Sweden, among others.

“We are very encouraged and happy, with the way the boys played,’’ Zimbabwe Chess Federation president, Collin Tongowona, said. We took the opportunity, for them to play in such a tournament, and they did us proud. We are thankful to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, for allowing the inmates, to have such an opportunity.

“They put the country on the map, considering that it was our first attempt, and the players were ready at a short notice. We hope to have more of these tournaments, which will be complimented by tournaments such as Behind-The-Walls, which we hold on Independence Day.’’

Chikurubi Maximum Prison member in charge, Moses Gukurume, said they were happy with the chance given to the prisoners and they will continue to support such activities. Team Zimbabwe captain Matibe was also a happy man.

“This is a great feeling for me, as I did not have any hope, of getting this opportunity. I was sentenced to death, in the first place, but I am now serving life in prison. I am disappointed we failed to win our inaugural appearance, at the tournament, but as we had not practiced.

“I hope we will have more of these events, as we have learnt a lot.’’