Dion Moyo wins 2016 National Chess champonships

Dion Moyo played some very solid games to claim this year's men National chess championship Title . On his way to be the champion he won five games and drew four games.

IMG-20160809-WA0023He defeated the defending champion IM Rodwell Makoto, Zhemba Zhemusse, Elisha Thabo, Shepard Mubaiwa and Kudakwashe Sibanda before drawing against Elisha Chimbamu, Castro Sibanda, Spencer Masango and Emerald Mushore to finish with 7 points out of 9 games played. IM Makoto had to come from behind to claim a second position. He faltered on the first day when he drew one game against Elisha Chimbamu before losing to Zhemba Zhemusse and Dion Moyo to start with 0,5 out of 3 games with two games in hand against Castro Sibanda and Spencer Masango.
He won his round 4 game to round 9 before settling for a draw against Spencer Masango in their outstanding game, before he defeated Castro Sibanda. Both IM Makoto and Spencer Masango finished with 6 points out of 9 games coming joint second.Zhemba Zhemusse and Castro Sibanda were tied on forth position with 5 points. Zhemba emerged from the slumber after losing the first three games against Spencer Masango, Elisha Chimbamu and Dion Moyo to claim the scalp of IM Makoto. He improved from round 4 after his win against Makoto. He then went on to beat Castro Sibanda, Shepard Mubaiwa, Kudakwashe Sibanda. He drew against Elisha Thabo and Emerald Mushore. Elisha Chimbamu had the most number of draws , drawing against IM Makoto, Thabo, Mushore, Castro and Dion Moyo whom he drew against in round one.
He defeated Zhemba Zhemusse and Shepard Mubaiwa who got the wooden spoon. His defeats were against Kudakwashe Sibanda and Spencer Masango in the final round to finish with 4,5 points. Mushore finished with 4 points after losing his final game against Elisha Thabo in the last round to remain stagnant on 4 points. Elisha Thabo finished with 3,5 points, drawing 3 games and winning two games. Kudakwashe Sibanda performed badly this year contrary to his last performance finishing with 2,5 points.
Shepard Mubaiwa defeated Spencer Masango and drew against Emerald Mushore in the first round before losing the rest of the games. The competition was tough in the Nationals and shows that the level of chess is improving vastly. It was such a surprise to see the resurgent Dion Moyo whose game had declined in the last nationals. On the other hand one can say that IM Makoto may have had a lot of fatigue after taking part in the Gran Master dominated tourney in Czechoslovakia where he finished with 5/9 games drawing against some GMs and defeating other IMs .He said the level of accuracy required for the games is of a very high standard and as such one needs to be prepared. We hope that the teams for both men and ladies who do us proud in Baku, Russia as they fly the flag high next month.
The winners got some cash prizes with the winner Dion Moyo walking away with $400 cash!

Meanwhile in the candidates section Heath Darare and Roy Mwadzura of Oriel Boys were tied on first position with 8 points out of 9 games of play. They drew two games, one between themselves. Roy Mwadzura also drew against Hamilton Mandeya before defeating Cevan Murerwa and Anesu Masimba some of the seasoned players. This was an impressive feat from the young man who will represent Zimbabwe in Lusaka Zambia in the under 17 category. The young man has a lot of potential. Lewis Kahoba was closely behind with 7,5 points so was Mugove Muririma the “policeman”. Tied on the forth position were Vitalis Mapuranga, Rugare Muchena, Anesu Masimba, Nigel Mabhiza, Colleta Wakuruwarehwa and Kudakwashe Nyamadzawo all on 7 points. Roy Mwadzura was the best scholar with 8 points, while Panashe Chimbwanda was the second best scholar with 6,5 points out of 9 games of play. Colleta Wakuruwarehwa was the best lady with 7 points , followed by Tatenda Zengeni, Rhodha Masiyazi and Evelyn Masiyiwa in their order of performance.
Veteran Ronald Chimanzi finished with 6,5 points in this tourney which shows that it was  very stiff. Hamilton Mandeya and Michael Musekiwa failed to live up to expectations. Elton Mhangarayi was the tournament Director and he was assisted by Ivan Chivese in the running of the tourney as well as Tobby Brook. A record 150 players took part in the Candidates section.
The Under 14 Harare Chess Association and Zimbabwe Chess Foundation (6-9 Aug 2016 Venue – The New Ambassador Hotel) Tournament Results:
Special mention goes to Crystal Candy for sponsoring boxes of Sweets and Chocolate hampers (the youngsters enjoyed the chocolates indeed!). The Zimbabwe Chess Foundation founder Mr Madamombe for appreciating our junior chess development effort by sponsoring 5 Chess Sets to the Academy. A million thanks!! We share the same vision..youth chess development especially the marginalized youngsters, said John Chibvuri the Knights Academy leader. Also The Zimbabwe Chess Foundation provided all Chess Sets and Chess Clocks used in this tournament. A very noble initiative indeed!  The winners of the Under 14 Tournament…
Top 10 Ranking after round 7 of Under 14 MASTERS SECTION HCA and Zimbabwe Chess Foundation Chess Tournament 2016:
1. Takudzwa Mufunda (Churchil Boys) 6pts
2. Craig Mandimutsira (Chinhoyi High) 5pts
3. Tadiwa Madaka (Alfred Beit Pri.) 5pts
4. Tinashe Philimon (Alfred Beit Pri.) 4.5pts
5. Nigel Midzi (Chipindura High) 4.5pts
6. Matthew Mhlanga (Twin Rivers Pri.) 4pts
7. Rumbidzai Mawire (Avondale Pri.) 4pts
8. Tinaye Madamombe (W/falls Gardens) 4pts
9. Anashe Murinda (Alfred Beit Pri.) 4pts
10. Tinashe Chigova (Blakiston Pri.) 4pts
(18 Players in the Masters Section)
Top 10 Ranking after round 7 of U14 OPEN SECTION HCA and Zimbabwe Chess Foundation Chess Tournament 2016:
1. Tapiwa Mawire (Marist Brothers High) 6.5pts
2. Brian Zenda (Alfred Beit Pri.) 6.5pts
3. Ryan Chigwengwe (Warren Park 4 Pri.) 5pts
4. Denzel Ramwe (Alfred Beit Pri.) 5pts
5. Blessed Gore (Glen View 6 Pri.) 5pts
6. Sparsh Kundra (Twin Rivers Pri.) 4.5pts
7. Cashel Chabvamuperu(Alfred Beit Pri.) 4pts
8. Tawana Kunaka (Alex Park Pri.) 4.5pts
9. Trish Mutenda (Budiriro 4 Pri.) 4pts
10. Laison Jasi (Courtney Selous Pri.) 4pts
(31 Players in the Open Section)
SECTION & SPECIAL PRIZES:
1. Most Disciplined : Milton Nhepera of Harare Central Prison Pri. : Hamper
2. Brilliancy Prize : Takudzwa Mufunda of Churchil Boys : Hamper
3. Best Boys U8: Ryan Ndlovu : Trophy, Gold Medal, Hamper
4. 2nd Best Boys U8 : Junior Gore of Glen View 7 Pri.: Silver Medal, Hamper
5. Best Girls U8 : Anotidaishe Madamombe of Waterfalls Gardens Pri. : Trophy, Gold Medal, Hamper
6. Best Boys U10: Blessed Gore of Glen View 6 Pri. : Trophy, Gold Medal, Hamper
7. 2nd Best Boys U10: Tawana Kunaka of Alex Park Pri. : Silver Medal, Hamper
8. Best Girls U10 : Anashe Murinda of Alfred Beit Pri. : Trophy, Gold Medal, Hamper
9. 2nd Best Girls U10: Rudaviro Dzenga of Alfred Beit Pri. : Siver Medal, Hamper
10. Best Boys U12: Denzel Ramwe of Alfred Beit Pri. : Trophy, Gold Medal, Hamper
11. Best Girls U12: Trish Mutenda of Budiriro 4 Pri. : Trophy, Gold Medal, Hamper
12. 2nd Best Girls U12: Kimberly Bopoto of Divaris Makaharis Pri. : Silver Medal, Hamper
MAIN PRIZES:
OPEN SECTION
13. 1st, BEST OPEN Tapiwa Mawire of Marist Brothers High : $20, Gold Medal, Trophy, Hamper
14. 2nd OPEN Brian Zenda of Alfred Beit Pri. : Silver Medal, Hamper
15. 3rd OPEN Ryan Chigwengwe of Warren Park 4 Pri. : Bronze, Hamper
MASTERS SECTION
16. 1st BEST MASTERS Takudzwa Mufunda of Churchill Boys : USD 50, Gold Medal, Hamper
17. 2nd MASTERS Craig Mandimutsira of Chinhoyi High : USD 30, Silver Medal, Hamper
18. 3rd MASTERS Tadiwa Madaka of Alfred Beit Pri. : USD 20, Bronze Medal, Hamper
19. 4th MASTERS Tinashe Philimon of Alfred Beit Pri. : USD 10, Hamper
SPECIAL: BEST LADY PRIZE
20. Rumbidzai Mawire of Avondale Pri. and Knights Academy Lady all time Legend : Trophy, Gold Medal, Hamper
Well done to all the winners! Nathan Jasi played an interesting last round game to finish on 4 points half a point behind the winner in the under ten best player behind Tawana Kunaka. He finished with the same points with his brother Laison who lost his final game.
Meanwhile in Bulawayo FM Sifiso Ncube emerged the winner in a tourney held with 7/7 points second was Hope Ndlovu followed by Tapiwa Jele.. These were the top three players and among the prize winners are two scholars FM Sifiso Ncube and Tapiwa Jele who will represent Zimbabwe youth chess team in the under 18 category in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Hope that this was a very good preparatory tournament for the boys. The Heroes holiday had a lot of chess from the chess activities which were lined up.

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