Image Credits:
Zambia Chess Interaction
Nkwazi Chess Club emerged as champions at the LPCA Lusaka Club Chess Championships held at the National Institute of Public Administrators (NIPA). This marked a significant victory after Red Arrows claimed the previous championship in a fierce competition featuring Zambia's top International Masters. The tournament took place from 2nd to 3rd September 2023 with the teams divided into groups A and B. Group A included Nkwazi, Lusaka Chess Club, University of Zambia, Green Eagles, and Red Arrows B. On the other hand, Group B featured Red Arrows A, Green Buffaloes, Ultimate Chess Academy, YOSOFO Kings, and Liyoca Chess Club. Nkwazi displayed their dominance in Group A by winning all their games, securing impressive victories against Lusaka Chess Club (5-1), UNZA (5.5-0.5), Green Eagles (5.5-0.5), and Red Arrows B (4-2). Nkwazi claimed the top position in the group, followed by Lusaka Chess Club, UNZA, and Green Eagles. Group B witnessed Red Arrows securing three wins, defeating Green Buffaloes (3.5-2.5), Yosofa Kings (5.5-0.5), and Liyoca (6-0). Ultimate Chess Academy added excitement by winning a nail-biting match against Red Arrows (3.5-2.5). In the quarter-finals, Red Arrows A, led by International Master Chitumbo Mwali, secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Green Eagles, earning them a spot in the semi-finals. Lusaka Chess Club faced off against Ultimate Chess Academy in a closely contested match, which ultimately saw Ultimate Chess Academy eliminated in the quarter-finals tie-break. Nkwazi continued their impressive run with a 5-1 victory in their quarter-final match, and young talent Alton Banda drew attention with his draws against seasoned International Masters Chitumbo Mwali and Richmond Phiri. In the semi-finals, Red Arrows narrowly edged out Buffaloes (3.5-2.5) setting up a final against Nkwazi. Meanwhile, Lusaka Chess Club faced a tough challenge and lost 5-1 to Nkwazi Chess Club. The finals saw Nkwazi emerge victorious with a 4-2 scoreline in a tightly contested match. Notably, four draws occurred on boards one, two, five, and six. International Masters Richmond Phiri and Chitumbo Mwali played to a draw on board one, while Stanley Chumfwa and Gillian Bwalya also shared the points. Mwape William and Godwin Phiri secured critical wins, avoiding the need for playoffs and ensuring Nkwazi claimed the first prize. The prizes included 5000 Kwacha, a trophy, and gold medals. Red Arrows secured the second-place spot with 3500 Kwacha and silver medals, while Buffaloes secured a hard-fought third place with a 3.5-2.5 win, earning them 2500 Kwacha and bronze medals. Lusaka Chess Club finished fourth, receiving 1500 Kwacha and certificates of participation.
Related Stories
Start a conversation