Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) has announced the dates for the Mdina-sponsored Malawi Open Chess Championship scheduled for Mzuzu in August.
Chessam publicist, Makhosi Nyirenda, said the annual championship will take place at Crest Ilala Lounge from August 24 to 27.
The competition is on after a commitment from South Africa based Malawian sponsor, Tiwone Mdina, to bankroll the event to the tune of K1 million for the third time in a row.
Nyirenda said the event will be played in open and ladies categories.
“The championship is open to all federations affiliated to Fide [world chess federations]. However, local players’ slots will be limited to eight each for Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) and Central Region Chess League (CCRL) and 10 for the host region, while the ladies categories slots will be limited to five each for SRCL, CRCL and NRCL. Top players will make it to the finals,” he said.
Nyirenda also said Malawians players based in Diaspora can apply for exemption for the qualifiers.
“As usual, last year’s champions of both categories will be exempted from the qualifying round,” he said.
Since its inception in 2009, the championship has now grown into an international event with Zambian Candidate Master, Godfrey Phiri, winning last year’s competition.
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