Chiona wins Presidential Chess

Chiona wins Presidential Chess
BY MPHATSO MALIDADI
18:06:04 – 14 April 2009
Malawi’s Daily Times – Malawi

Zomba based Richard Chiona was crowned Presidential chess champion over the weekend at Illala Crest Lodge in Mzuzu.

Chiona won the Open Category after accumulating 5.5 points out of the maximum seven and received K40,000 cash and a trophy.

“I am the happiest person, having managed to do what I have been failing to achieve in the past,” Chiona said.

Alfred Chinthere was on second position with five points while former national champion Chuma Mwale finished third also with five points. Chinthere got K25,000 with Chuma getting K10,000.

Fifteen year old Joseph Mwale won the Juniors category with six points of the maximum seven. The youngster declared after getting his K25,000 cash prize that he will no longer play in the juniors category.

“I have been champion for the juniors on a number of occasions and I was once the overall national champion. This is my last time to participate in the juniors section. I will now be participating in the seniors’ category,” he said.

Gerald Mphungu finished second and he got K15,000 while Joseph Nyambalo finished on third position and he received K10,000.

Ellen Mpinganjira scooped the ladies’ championship with 6.5 points out of seven.

Trailing her was Linda Jambo from Mzuzu University on 5 points.

Here is the full story.