South Africa-based chess star, Joseph Mwale, put up a spirited performance to finish on fifth position during South Africa Open chess championship on Saturday.
The competition attracted over 100 players. Mwale, alongside compatriot Paul Kumphwathea and Stanley Mpinganjira, also took part in the competition.
The former chess whiz kid collected eight points from 11 games. He also drew with South Africa danger-man, Daniel Cawdrey, in the last round.
However, one of Mwale’s highlight was when he forced a draw against grandmaster, Strikovic Aleksandr, of Serbia in the fourth round.
In an interview, Mwale was an epitome of modesty, saying he was aiming for top-three positions.
“I tried my best but maybe lack of proper preparations and adequate support affected me somehow. Standing against such senior chess figures is a source of motivation,” he said.
Former Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) publicity secretary, Gilton Mkumbwa, who is also a certified Fide arbiter, said Mwale should be encouraged.
“His exploits prove that Malawi has got good players that can rise to the top if supported. South African Open is one of the major chess events in the world and to finish fifth is not a joke,” he said.
Chessam Publicity Secretary, Makhosi Nyirenda, congratulated Mwale for finishing fifth.
“We were closely following the tournament and Mwale has done well considering that over 100 players, from all over the world, participated,” he said.
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