By Shelly Guni
Over 100 players are anticipated to participate in the Steward Bank Easter Open Chess Tournament, which begins today and runs through Monday.
As a result of the financial institution’s partnership with ZCF in attempts to revive and promote the game, this year’s edition will run under the name Steward Bank Easter Open Chess Tournament.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation president Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi expressed gratitude to Steward Bank for extending a hand in supporting chess with an initial sponsorship of $5 million.
“Chess in Zimbabwe is slowly rising and we are certain our key tournament budgets will soon match those of countries like Kenya which has a total budget of US$42 000 a tournament, which has attracted the international community,” he said.
The tournament draws players from across the country with defending champion and national team player Spencer Masango, former national champion Jemusse Zhemba, Roy Mwadzura and Emerald Mushore are expected to battle it out. The women’s section will have top players like Kudzanayi Charinda, Linda Shaba, Refiloe Mudodo, Tatenda Zengeni and Colletta Wakuruwarewa among others.