Checkmate! Open Chess Championships conclude with thrills and talent
The 2025 Namibian Open Chess Championships, sponsored by Bank Windhoek and organised by the Namibia Chess Federation (NCF), wrapped up recently, showcasing some of the finest chess talent in Southern Africa. The event brought together international masters, seasoned campaigners, and promising young players in a celebration of strategy, skill, and sportsmanship.“This edition will be remembered as one of the strongest and most competitive Namibia Opens to date, filled with surprises, intense rivalries, and inspiring stories of emerging brilliance,” said NCF President Berdian Beukes. The tournament attracted participants from Namibia, Zambia and Botswana and featured Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats, with dedicated sections for women, juniors, and cadets (U/12).
Open Classical section
The main event, the Open Classical section, saw Namibia’s International Master Dante Beukes dominate the field with calm precision and strategic depth, reinforcing his status as Namibia’s top classical player. Cornelius Masikini of Zambia impressed with fearless, tactical play, finishing second, while veteran Kelvin Chumfwa, also from Zambia and the 2024 Zone 4.5 (SADC) Champion, claimed third place with sharp tactics and creative strategies.
Women’s Classical Section
The Women’s Classical Section highlighted both resilience and emerging talent. Veteran WCM Jolly Nepando leveraged her experience to claim first place, navigating complex positions with confidence. Kamutuaa Tjatindi secured second place with well-fought games, while rising star Helvi Shuudifonya announced herself as a future contender by taking third.
Junior and Cadet Sections
The Junior Open was described as highly dynamic, with young players demonstrating creativity and competitive spirit. Mbahimwa Muundjua topped the Junior Classical Section, followed by Joel-Pahukeni Shigwedha and Shekupe Fidel. In the Cadet Section, Johannes Christiaan Cronje finished first, Jacobs Carmen second, and Siremo Justin Josephovich third.
Blitz and Social Rapid Tournaments
The Blitz Championship provided fast-paced excitement, testing players’ quick thinking and intuition. Maximillian Tuombe of Zambia won the section, with IM Dante Beukes finishing second and Keletshabile Monnaatsheko of Botswana taking third.
Meanwhile, the Social Rapid Tournament offered a fun, competitive environment for young and emerging players. Batista Beckham won the Open category, with Boshoff Francis second and Binneman Francois Jacob Albertus third. In the Women’s category, Katsvara Tanatswanashe claimed first, followed by Mouers Maryke and Boshoff Helen.