Anand in Tanzania

The chairperson for Tanzania Chess Association (TCA) Geoffrey Mwanyika said the tournament will be played for three days with two rounds on the opening day, three rounds tomorrow and two rounds on the final day.

He said the tournament will be graced by Viswanathan Anand who is in the country on a mission to promote the indoor game.

‘All is set for the FIDE-rated tournament, it’s our believe that after the tournament Tanzania will have more than three FIDE rated players. I’m very confident because the players have been training well, I must take this opportunity to thank Spice Net Tanzania and Kasparov Foundation for sponsoring the Kenya team’s travelling and accommodation cost,’ he said.

Players who are expected to represent the country at the event are Yusuf Mdoe, Hamed Marwa, Mustafa Ibrahim, Max Munisi, Mussa Mangula, Godlove Kimaro, George Fumbuka, Sunday Manara and the only lady player in the team, Navini Choudhury.

Kenya players are Benjamin Magana, Jacktone Mony, Wachira Wachania, Kenneth Omolo John Mwabi Suni Deshpande, Nathan Ateka and lady trio of Sanjana Deshipande, Gweyani Jumba and Isabel Asiema. They are accompanied by FIDE-approved arbiter (referee) Purity Maini.

Meanwhile, five-time chess champion Vishwanathan Anand who arrived in the country on Sunday said he is impressed by the steps taken by TCA and Tanzania Chess Foundation to improve the game in the country.

‘I’m very delighted to be told that you have a program for schools that is the only way which can develop and improve the game. In my country a similar project started in 2002 and today there are 1.8m students who play chess at a high level, he said.

Anand said the game is good for students to learn as it has proved that it improves their confidence in and outside classrooms.