- Botswana’s Maya Otimile sits second in the women’s standings at the Africa Individual Chess Championship after five rounds, according to a morning update issued on Tuesday, with play continuing and positions potentially shifting before publication
GAZETTE REPORTER
The Africa Individual Chess Championship in Jwaneng has reached its halfway stage, with competitors still in action in the nine-round continental contest.
The tournament, held at Cresta Jwaneng from June 18 to 27, has drawn 103 players — 59 in the Open section and 44 in the Women’s section.
According to Botswana Chess Federation spokesperson Goitsemodimo Makgatle, five rounds had been completed as of Tuesday morning, with the statement reflecting standings at that point in the event.
Open Leaders
In the Open section, Grandmaster Bellahcene Bilel of Algeria and Grandmaster Amin Bassem of Egypt shared the lead on 4.5 points after five rounds. International Master George David was third on four points.
Botswana’s top performer was Sebetlela Gaasite in 14th position. He was followed by International Master Providence Oatlhotse in 25th, Candidate Master Thuso Mosutha in 40th, Candidate Master Notha Moakofi in 44th, Candidate Master Thuto Mpene in 46th, Arnold Mothudi in 50th and Candidate Master Barileng Gaealafshwe in 53rd.
Women’s Section
The women’s section was led by Egypt’s Woman Grandmaster Shahenda Wafa, who had a perfect five points from five games.
Botswana’s Woman Candidate Master Maya Otimile occupied second place overall on four points, with Egypt’s Woman Grandmaster Shrook Wafa in third.
“A special congratulations goes to Maya Otimile, the youngest player in the women’s section, who continues her impressive run and currently sits in second position overall,” Makgatle said.
Botswana Contingent
Botswana’s women were spread across the standings, with Woman FIDE Master Natalie Banda in 13th, Woman Candidate Master Mosweu Atlang in 19th, Woman Candidate Master Refilwe Pitso in 21st, Woman Candidate Master Laone Moshoboro in 32nd, Woman International Master Onkemetse Francis in 34th and Woman FIDE Master Thapelo Francis in 36th.
With four rounds still to be played at the time of the morning update, the championship remains finely balanced as players continue their campaigns in Jwaneng.