Jere, Mbatha win Zambia Closed
July 4, 2012
By HONE LIWANGA

INTERNATIONAL master Daniel Jere yesterday retained the Zambia Closed Chess Championship title after putting up a scintillating performance in Kitwe.

Jere, who lost only once, to Thomas Zulu, finished with eight points after nine rounds to earn K2 million and a Blackberry phone.

On the way to victory, Jere outclassed international master Mwali Chitumbo, veteran Stanley Chumfwa, candidate master Gillan Bwalya, Moses Kawiza, Prince Mulenga, Charles Dimanshi, Douglas Munenga and Richard Mwansa.

Chumfwa, who was leading until succumbing to Jere in the fifth round, finished second alongside Chitumbo on 7.5 points while Zulu was fourth on seven points.

Chumfwa and Chitumbo received K1,350, 000 each, Zulu got K1 million while Bwalya and Mwansa who were joint fifth on 6.5 points apiece got K250, 000 each.

Constance Mbatha emerged the best female player and got K500, 000 after accumulating 4.5 points, relegating Candidate Master Epah Tembo into second position on four points while Lorita Mwango and former Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) vice-president Joy Mtine managed 3.5 points apiece.

Rebecca Kaluba won the under-18 girls’ category after finishing with eight points with Subilo Chileshe winning the under-10 category.

And CFZ president Lewis Ncube is happy with the level of competition and hard work all the players exhibited during the four-day tournament.

Ncube urged players who did not perform well to continue working hard.

Source: http://www.daily-mail.co.zm

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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