IM Dante, WCM Nepando crowned Nam Open champs
Chess
International Master (IM) Dante Beukes and Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jolly-Joice Nepando were crowned champions of the Bank Windhoek Namibian Open, recently concluded in Windhoek.Namibia Chess Federation’s (NCF) flagship event, held under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (Fide), attracted over 80 players from the hosts, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, who competed across the Open, Women’s, Junior and Cadet sections for crucial rating points.
The five-day tournament was contested in a classical nine-round Swiss format. It also featured Blitz and Social Rapid Opens, played over 11 and seven rounds, respectively.
Open section winner
IM Dante secured the Open section title with eight points out of nine, ahead of Zambia’s Cornelius Masikini (7.5) and IM Kelvin Chumfwa (7), after a tense competition.
Entering the competition as a clear favourite, the 22-year-old American-based scholar welcomed the Open title with pride. The closest he had come was in 2017, when he narrowly missed out after finishing runner-up to Raphael Nyakansaila.
“The win has been long overdue and brings a joyous relief. I am especially glad I was up to the task [and did not disappoint everyone who was rooting for me headed into the tournament],” he said.
He lamented the past couple of years, noting they have been tough on him as a chess player, at times leaving him “disillusioned with the game I have dedicated my whole life to.”
“The 14-year-old boy who came second in 2017 was naïve and optimistic about the beauty of chess. Now at 22, I have been burned too many times by the uglier side of the game, by its politics and people trying to hold me back, that I somewhat feel vindicated with this victory,” he recounted.
“I believe the manner in which I won the event honours the memory of my innocent, energetic younger self. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the competition and was especially impressed by the level of maturity displayed by the junior players.”
Past Open winners were Zimbabwe’s Robert Gwaze last year, Goodwill Khoa in 2022 and Zimbabwe’s Jemusse Zhemba in 2021.
Women’s section winner
WCM Nepando won the women’s section with a dominant eight points, ahead of Kamutuua Tjatindi and Helvi Shuudifonya, who both tallied 6.5 points. Tjatindi was placed second on tiebreak.
Nepando described clinching her first Namibian Open title as an incredibly rewarding moment of pride and gratitude.
“As my first Open title, it carries a special weight, as I have worked tirelessly for it and had to overcome a serious calibre of opposition to earn it. Finally seeing it materialise is both humbling and energising,” she said.
The win is a strong statement for the former national champion (2023), as it reflects her hard work, discipline and growth over the years, including numerous national call-ups for the prestigious Chess Olympiad.
“The tournament served as a crucial reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination. It reaffirmed my belief in trusting the process and being patient, while constantly pushing boundaries,” said Nepando.
Past women’s champions were Angola’s Woman International Master (WIM) Esperanca Caxita last year, Lutopu Khoa in 2022 and Woman Fide Master (WFM) Rauha Shipindo in 2021.
Other event winners
Junior Open: 1 Muundjua Mbahimwa (8), 2 Joel-Pahukeni Shigwedha (7), 3 Christiaan Cronje (7).
Cadet Open: 1 Christiaan Cronje, 2 Jacobs Carmen (5), 3 Justin Siremo (5).
– [email protected]