South Africa based Malawian entrepreneur Tiwone Mdina has cleared the mist surrounding this year’s Mdina International Open Chess championship after maintaining his K1 million sponsorship.
Mdina has since released the money to Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam).
The sponsor said he was encouraged by the impact of the championship which he started sponsoring in 2009.
“If you recall, we started as a regional tournament before turning national. Last year, we reached another milestone when we turned international,” Mdina explained in a telephone interview from Johannesburg on Tuesday.
“Looking at the impact we have made, we are left with no option but continue sponsoring the competition.”
Mdina urged Chessam to continue running the championship professionally.
“Our sponsorship does not mean that we have a lot of money but it is our social obligation to help unearth and develop players who can compete on the international level,” he said.
Chessam Publicity Secretary, Makhosi Nyirenda, hailed Mdina for the support.
Last year, a record 10 Zambians took part in the championship and humiliated the locals.
Lusaka based player Godwin Phiri emerged champion for the men’s category at Simama Hotel in Lilongwe.
It was also the first time that foreign players took part in the event since world chess governing body, Fide, upgraded it in 2014.
Phiri scored eight points to beat compatriot Chitumbo Mwali who also posted similar points.
The pair was separated by a tie-breaker.
South Africa-based Malawian Joseph Mwale salvaged home pride by finishing on third position with 6.5 points.
The champion pocketed K360,000 with the runner-up receiving K215,000 and the third-placed got K75,000.
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