BATTLE ON THE BOARD
Going into the four-day competition as the top seed, the 38-year-old International Master lived up to his billing, dominating his opponents to win seven of his eight games. The only blip on Oatlhotse’s otherwise perfect record was a hard-fought draw against Kitso Kgosietsile.
Victory at the event, backed by Metropolitan to the tune of P152 800 ended a frustrating six-year wait for Oatlhotse, who last took the title in 2018 (his other successes came in: 2004, 08, 09, 12 and 15).
Having sealed his place in the history books, the Chess champion admitted he is unlikely to compete in the local event again.
“This is something I have been trying to do for a couple of years and I’m happy I managed to reach this point. For me, it’s enough that I won for the 7th time so I don’t see myself coming to play this tournament any time soon and I don’t see anyone eclipsing my record anytime either,” he told Voice Sport shortly after the tournie climaxed on Sunday.
Despite his dominance, which saw him walk away with the P11 000 top prize, the IM believes local chess is in a healthy position.
“Overall, I’m impressed because throughout the three legs of the tournament since the qualifiers I have never lost a game. However, competition has improved because we have young players from the junior ranks who have done tremendously well in the national finals and even in my absence good chess will still be played,” said IM Oatlhotse, who made his bow at the National Champs back in 2003, claiming bronze.
A year later, he went all the way and has not looked back since.
Oatlhotse’s focus now turns to the upcoming Namibia and Zimbabwe Open tournaments and then the big one, the World Chess Olympiad in Hungary from 10th to 23rd September.
Runner-up went to Monnaatsheko Keletshabile, who battled his way to a silver medal and an P8 000 pay day while CM Thuso Mosutha pocketed P5 250 for his 3rd place finish.
In the women’s draw, 17-year-old sensation, WCM Natalie Banda, successfully defended her title.
The tactically-superior teenager put on a master class, dazzling
her way to a seven-point haul, which was enough to secure back-to-back championships.
After suffering an early defeat to another highly-rated teen, WFM Naledi Marape, who went through the event unbeaten, Banda bounced back well, finishing with six wins, two draws and a single loss.
Speaking to Voice Sport after her win, sealed with a tense finalgame victory over WCM Amolemo Mosweu, a visibly relieved Banda admitted the tournament was ‘really difficult’.
“There was no easy opponent as everyone was well-trained and prepared for the event. Compared to last year, I will say it was definitely stronger. I couldn’t have done it by myself, my coach, FM Banele Mhango, played a major role in my win. He trained me mentally to prepare to play long games and guided me through the whole event. To be able to play all these tournaments and emerge victorious and also being a student is not easy but I think it’s just a matter of discipline,” said the brilliant Banda, who looks to have an extremely bright future in the sport.
Despite being undefeated, Marape fell agonisingly short, paying the price for too many draws. In the end, she finished with four wins and five draws, which left her on 6.5 points.
WCM Refilwe Gabatshwarwe took bronze with six points while Mosweu ended her campaign in 4th place.
Meanwhile, two players booked themselves a slot in the national team, being: Monnaatsheko and Boitshepo Rebatenne.