Grand Prix openers crown new champions
The Bank Windhoek Chess Grand Prix series returned to the board last weekend in Rundu and Otjiwarongo, crowning new champions in the opening legs of the season.
Rundu Secondary School hosted the first leg, where 34 players competed for crucial ranking points across the open, women’s, junior and cadet sections in a one-day, seven-round Swiss format.
Open section
In the open section, Petrus Kawende delivered a commanding performance, scoring 6.5/7, with his only half-point dropped in a fourth-round draw against Shaun Mumbula.
Kawende’s run included wins over Leonard Hakusembe, Kreigor Simpire, Martin Mwatondyaba, Rafael Joaquim, Ziyambe Godfrey and Jafet Katanga.
Ziyambe Godfrey finished second on six points, while Mumbula secured bronze with 5.5.
Women’s and junior sections
Due to limited entries, the women’s section was merged with the open field, requiring players to compete in the same Swiss pool.
Jacinta Shifafure emerged as the top female player, navigating a tough field that included Kandjimi Joseph, Chamiel Esterhuizen, Catarino Joaquim, Elias Manuel, Nongava Bernardo, John Malcom and Vilho Simuketa.
Her only direct rival for the women’s honours was Vieno Sikeso, who claimed silver.
The junior section was also decided within the combined pool, with Jafet Katanga taking gold ahead of Martin Mwatondyaba (silver) and Leonard Hakusembe (bronze).
Cadet and special awards
The cadet section was won by Chamiel Esterhuizen, followed by John Malcom (silver) and Shindimba Celestine (bronze).
Kreigor Simpire was named Best Local Player, while Ndokotora Epafroditus received recognition as the oldest participant.
Second leg in Otjiwarongo
The second leg unfolded at Paresis Secondary School in Otjiwarongo, where 16 players competed in another seven-round Swiss tournament across the same sections.
Paultjie Khuruseb claimed the open title with six points, bouncing back from a fourth-round loss to Abraham Shapange to win his remaining games.
His victories came against McDonald Shimanya, Wellemina Shimanya, Branden Goaseb, Godwin Zacharia, Tanatswanashe Katsvara and Rebekka Abiater.
Branden Goaseb finished second, with Vanasis Shimanya taking bronze.
Reflecting on his performance, Khuruseb said: “This win means a lot to me. It’s good to see the hard work paying off and to be back competing at this level again.”
He highlighted his fourth-round loss and a key third-round encounter against Goaseb as turning points.
“Those games really tested me and pushed me to stay focused and composed. They helped me raise my level when it mattered most.”
Women’s section
The women’s category was again decided within the open field, where Wellemina Shimanya finished as the top female player.
She scored four points, recording wins over Rebekka Abiater, Dirk Jacob and Abraham Shapange, while drawing against Tanatswanashe Katsvara and Venacias Shimanya.
Her only defeats came against Branden Goaseb and overall winner Khuruseb.
Katsvara placed second among the women, with Abiater taking bronze.
Reflecting on her performance, Shimanya credited her support system: “I appreciate my family for helping me become the woman I am today and for supporting me in this victory.
“They encouraged me to fight harder and believe in myself as a champion.”
She identified Goaseb as her toughest opponent and is now targeting the 17th African Youth Championship in Uganda from 14 to 23 May.
Junior and cadet sections
In the junior section, Abraham Shapange secured gold ahead of Mario Kahele (silver) and Mwaka Zibiso (bronze).
The cadet section saw Dirk Jacob take gold, followed by McDonald Shimanya (silver) and Motjari Tjombonde (bronze).
Godwin Zacharia was named Best Local Player.
‘Huge potential’
Tournament director Medusal Shimanya welcomed the return of competitive chess to Otjiwarongo.
“This shows there is real interest in chess in the community. There is huge potential here, but awareness of the tournament was still limited,” he said.
Namibia Chess Federation secretary general Israel Shilongo said players are already targeting the overall Grand Prix title, which he held last season, with Arena Fide Master Lazarus Shatipamba winning it in 2024 and Candidate Master Goodwill Khoa in 2023.
