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MBABANE – The wait for chess’ flagship event is almost over.
The fifth edition of the National Chess Championships will take place from March 31 to April 2, 2023 at IDM, Matsapha and Manzini.
The tournament will be divided into open, ladies and development (Under-14) sections. The following players have qualified to participate in this year’s tournament. In the open section, there are 10 players and some of them are Smilo Hlophe, who is the defending champion. Others are Mbongeni Mabuza, Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane, Qiniso Matsebula and Wandile Simelane, to mention but a few.
Outstanding
In the women section, Nomcebo Sibisi, Nolwazi Nkwanyane, Nokuthula Msibi and Nosipho Dlamini are some of the few who make the list. Nkwanyane is the country’s lady of the moment following her recent crowning as the Outstanding Senior Sportswoman in the National Sports Awards. The junior section will play a Swiss System one-day tournament with time controls of 25+5 sec. Starting time is 8:3am to 3pm. This information was released by William Siame from Eswatini Chess. The winner in the open section will take home E3 000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will get E2 000 and third placed will get E1 000.
The champion in the ladies section will get E2 000, while the second placed lady will get E1 500 with the third placed lady getting E1 000.
OPEN:
1. Smilo Hlophe (Defending Champion)
2. Mbongeni Mabuza ( Manzini Open)
3. Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane ( Patron’s Cup)
4. Qiniso Matsebula( Patron’s Cup
5. Mdluli Mlondi ( Patron’s Cup)
6. Wandile Simelane (NHO)
7. Vuyo Nxumalo (Qualifiers)
8. Philan Mtsetfwa ( Qualifiers)
9. Sobi Mziyako ( Qualifiers)
10. Mlamula Nkhwanazi ( Qualifiers)
WOMEN
1. Nomcebo Sibisi ( Manzini Open)
2. Nolwazi Nkwanyane ( Patron’s Cup)
3. Nokuthula Msibi ( Patron’s Cup)
4. Nosipho Dlamini (Patron’s Cup)
5. Sincobile Dlamini ( Qualifiers)
6. Nosimilo Mkhonto ( Qualifiers)
7. Fisokuhle Mavimbela (Qualifiers)
8. Phetsile Mkhatshwa ( Qualifiers)
OPEN
3 games on Friday starting at 8am 3 games on Saturday starting 8am 3 games of Sunday starting at 8am