Shatipamba, Tjatindi crowned Okahandja Open champions
Festus Shatipamba and Kamutuua Tjatindi were crowned champions of the Bank Windhoek Okahandja Open, held recently at Berg-Op Academy.
The event marked the fourth leg of the Bank Windhoek Grand Prix Series, which takes chess tournaments to all four corners of the country.
In the latest instalment of the series, organisers confirmed the biggest turnout of the season so far, with 41 players descending on the garden town to battle it out in a one-day, seven-round Swiss-system format for prizes and medals.
Shatipamba dominated the event to claim the open section gold medal with a near-perfect 6.5/7, with his only draw coming in the third round against Charles Saul John.
His other victims were eventual open section bronze medallist Matomola Namushi, Sankwasa Sankwasa, Zavaza Hambira, Fillemon Shatipamba, eventual silver medallist Israel Shilongo and women’s section champion Tjatindi.
Tjatindi had to work hard for her women’s section crown, as she battled in a merged field with open section players, finishing fourth overall with a respectable 5/7.
She started the event strongly, overcoming Maryke Mouers, Gustav Garoeb, Lorence Abel and Festus Ndapandula Petrus, before falling to Shilongo in the fifth round.
She then picked up a win over Zandell Otto Katokele before falling once more to Festus Shatipamba in the seventh and final round.
Hot on her heels were Lorencia Abel, who claimed silver, and Tanatswanashe Katsvara, who clinched bronze.
Other champions
Junior section: 1 Nikanor Urikob, 2 Lorence Abel, 3 Sankwasa Sankwasa.
Cadet section: 1 Zandell Otto Katokele, 2 Firmino Johannes, 3 Toini Shikongo.
The individual awards recognised Festus Ndapandula Petrus as the Best Local Player, with organisers confirming that he represents the strength of talent being fostered within the Okahandja community.
Bank Windhoek partnership
In a statement, Namibia Chess Federation secretary general Israel Shilongo said the tournament atmosphere was characterised by high-level competition and a sense of community achievement.
“With the continued partnership of Bank Windhoek, the Okahandja Open has established itself as a premier destination for the Grand Prix circuit, successfully uniting players of all ages in a professional and challenging environment,” said Shilongo.
“A special word of thanks goes to Berg-Op Academy for providing an excellent venue and a supportive environment for our 41 competitors.
“We also acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the coaches, parents and officials whose teamwork made this milestone event a resounding success.”
The next event in the circuit will be the Bank Windhoek Walvis Bay Open on 6 June, which will serve as the fifth leg of the Grand Prix Series.
