Augumeb, Shilongo crowned Tsumeb Open champions
Chess
Marsell Augumeb and Dorkas Shilongo were crowned champions of the Tsumeb Chess Open, recently held at the United Nations (UN) Park in the town, in the Open and Women’s sections, respectively.Held under the auspices of the Namibia Chess Federation (NCF), the event marked the 16th and final leg of the Bank Windhoek Grand Prix series, capping off a season that began in Rundu in April.
The final showdown attracted 38 of the country’s finest chess players from Windhoek, Oshakati and Grootfontein. They gathered in the mining town to put their strategic skills to the test for top honours across the Open and Women’s sections in a seven-round Swiss System tournament.
Augumeb, who is a chess coach in Tsumeb, topped the Open section standings to claim the gold medal after a dramatic finish that saw the top three players tied on six points after seven rounds. Tie-breaks thus played a crucial role in determining the winner.
Second place went to Branden Goaseb from Windhoek, who took silver, while another local, Teofilus Kathindi, settled for third-place bronze after tie-breaks.
Women’s section winners
In the Women’s section, the competition was equally intense, but Shilongo, a pupil at Wilhelm Nortier Primary School (PSWN) in Grootfontein, achieved a decisive lead of five points to top the standings.
Shilongo was closely followed by Etosha Secondary School’s Ndapandula Nangolo from the Tsumeb Chess Club, who secured second place on four points. PSWN’s Naomi Martin rounded out the podium with three points to claim third place.
Individual achievements were also recognised, with PSWN’s Christian Ekaku receiving the Best Junior award, Tsumeb Chess Club’s McDonald Shimanya named Best Cadet, and the Best Local Player award going to Paulus Sackaria.
The event was officiated by Medusal Shimanya as chief arbiter, Vesora Kandjiriomuini as deputy chief arbiter and Alina Ndimute Shimanya as the tournament director.
‘A 50% increase in turnout’
Reflecting on the tournament, Ndimute Shimanya noted that the event’s date coincided with the final day of the Tsumeb Copper Festival, which helped maximise exposure and participation.
“We are pleased with the outcome, which saw a 50% increase in the anticipated turnout. It could have been much higher, as we saw players still show interest by attempting to register during the tournament,” she said.
Ndimute further noted that the event tested the players’ ability to focus, competing amidst the lively festival environment. “They were surrounded by visitors enjoying jumping castles, ice cream, various stalls, traditional foods and unique gifts from exhibitors.”
Organisers extended gratitude to the NCF for coordinating the event and to Bank Windhoek for their sponsorship.
“We would also like to thank the Copper Festival Committee for providing the platform and venue at the UN Park. Special thanks to the players for their dedication, patience and discipline, and to the arbiters for their hard work ensuring fairness at the tournament.”
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