The delayed 2022 National Chess Championships reached a conclusion. 2021 winner, CM Tokelo Klaas did not defend his title citing personal reasons.
29 players from different zones were on contention for the highest title in the country for 3 days. The winner walked away with trophies, medals and cash.
Bokang Motsamai came top. He won a trophy, gold medal and M1875.00 after tie break put him in the lead though. They had equal points with Sechaba Khalema who took home a silver medal and M1875.00 The two were then followed by 2019 Champion Tsephe Lebajoa who only took a bronze medal and M625.00. Lebajoa’s tie break put in the third position though he had equal points with George Mahommed who took a whooping M625.00 and M200.00.
On the other hand Reitumetse Taioe came top in Womens games with 4 points in the ladies. She won a Trophy, Gold medal, M1250.00 and M200.00. She was followed by Ntsielo Bonolo who got a silver medal and also M466.00. Bonolo and Nteboheleng Thetsane who won a bronze medal and M466.00 both came second and third by tie break. In the fourth place was Boitumelo Sethabathaba with 3.5 points, she only took home M466.00. It was a highly contested title which only determined the winner in the last and 7th round.
Mahommed George and Reitumetse Taioe also won the best Junior prize in their categories. CFL would realy like to appreciate all the players who showed up and took part even after a long delay following the qualifiers from their respective zones. The chess tournament was made possible by the support of Azania ML Cleaning Services and Good Night Lodge.