Mparutsa dismisses ex-Dynamos players’ ownership claim

MINERVA Risk Advisors have pledged to transform the Zimbabwe Open Chess tournament into an internationally recognised event after being impressed by the huge turnout at this year’s edition of the competition which started on Friday.

The four day tournament which will run up until tomorrow has a eld more than 200 participants competing, including seven Zambians.

The participants in the Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess tourney are competing in three categories namely, the open section, ladies section and development section.

A prize fund of US $ 6000 will be at stake with winners set to walk away with US$1000.

Minerva Risk Advisors spokesperson Freida Chap - ka said their goal is to turn the tournament into one of the biggest chess competitions internationally.

"We want this to be the biggest tournament in SADC, Africa and the world at large. We felt there is no point in sponsoring it for one year, no wonder we extend it to ten years to achieve this goal. We will be guided by ZCF in achieving this goal, so we will spread it country wide as well," she said.

Last year's edition of Minerva Open Chess tournament was won by Emarald Mushore and Linda Dalitso Shaba in the men and ladies’ sections respectively.

Zimbabwean international Chess master Rodwell Makoto who is currently based in South Africa jetted into the country for the tournament and is being tipped favorite to win the men's section.