- This marked a triumphant return for Masango who first won the championship in 2018
- WCM Banda reaffirmed her dominance by winning women’s section with 6.5 points
- Mogwera Omaatla emerged first in U-12 Girls, Rankwane Keaobaka first in U-12 Boys
GAZETTE REPORTER
The 2024 Botash Open Chess Championships concluded with Masango Spencer of Zimbabwe and Women Candidate Master (WCM) Natalie Banda of Botswana emerging as victors after three days of intense competition in Botswana.
Masango clinched the open section title with 6 points out of a possible 7, walking away with a trophy, a gold medal, and P5,500 in prize money.
This marked a triumphant return for Masango, who first won the championship in 2018.
Gaolatlhe close behind
Close behind was Botswana’s Motunge Gaolatlhe, who scored 5.5 points to claim second place, earning a silver medal and P2,833. The third spot went to reigning national champion, FM Gomolemo Rongwane, who also scored 5.5 points but settled for bronze on tie-break criteria.
In the women’s section, WCM Natalie Banda reaffirmed her dominance by winning with an impressive 6.5 points. She received a trophy, a gold medal, and P3,500. Banda drew only one game against fellow WCM Amolemo Mosweu in Round 5.
Mosweu finished second with 6 points, taking home a silver medal and P2,500, while Motlhako Kaone secured third place with 5 points, earning P1,500.
Budding youth talent
The fourth and fifth positions were taken by Dolly Lorato Thapelo and Mothokatse Judith, who pocketed P1,000 and P750, respectively.
The tournament also celebrated budding talent through its youth categories. In the Under 12 Girls category, Mogwera Omaatla secured first place, followed by Thabano Mia and Fidzani Atlang Ame.
The Under 12 Boys saw Rankwane Cleopatra Keaobaka top the leaderboard, with Maseko Lungile and Senwelo Thatego in second and third, respectively.
Under 14
Among the Under 14 Girls, Themba Wangu emerged victorious while the Under 14 Boys category was led by Thatayaone Katlo. In the Under 16 Girls section, Maswimbo Boinelo triumphed while Ranku Rorisang dominated the Under 16 Boys.
The Under 18 Boys competition saw Kgosimore Tefo Osego take first place.