FCL hosts successful chess tourney
SEBONGILE MATHE
MASERU – The Federation of Chess Lesotho (FCL) successfully hosted its prestigious Lesotho Open Chess Championships – held at the Blue Mountain Inn in Teyateyaneng from February 7 to 9, the event produced brilliant play and intense competition.
The tournament billed players in four sections: Prestige, Women, Open, and Development.
Selatela Khiba, FCL PRO, stated that the Prestige section battled out in six rounds while in the Open, Women, and Development players went for seven rounds.
The official results, as released by the FCL, crowned Bonolo Ntsielo champion of the Women’s section. Securing first place with six points, she also earned the title of best local player, receiving a gold medal, a trophy, M2 000, and a bonus of M600.
Naleli McPherson took second place with 4.5 points, winning a Silver medal and M1 400. Boitumelo Sethabathaba finished third, receiving a bronze medal and M1 000 in this category.
In the Development section, Seiso Matebesi emerged champion with a perfect score of seven points, earning a Gold medal and a trophy. Fako Letsie secured second place with 5.5 points and a Silver medal, while Hlengiwe Phera scored five points and finished third, receiving a Bronze medal.
South African players dominated the top two positions in the Prestige section.
Lesotho’s Bahlakoana Ntšonyane, Mahomed George, Tšepe Lebajoa, and Bokang Motsamai were tied for third with four points each, and were recognized as the best local players. Ntšonyane received a Bronze medal, they each earned M575 plus M175.
Special awards were also presented to Nolwazi Nkwanyane, Thato Moorosi, Lesela Batloung, and Kajol Naidoo.
Khiba noted that Naidoo, despite competing in a tough category, managed to overcome strong opponents. Moorosi, young for the Open section also secured victories.
Nkwanyane, the only woman in the Open section, played exceptionally well. Each of special award recipients received M500.
The PRO noted the tournament’s competitive atmosphere, and said players showed high level of chess novelty. More importantly, he recognised the players deep understanding of chess positions, a testament to their dedication and foundation for future growth.
