Philani Mtsetfwa and Nosimilo Mkhonto emerged as the winners of the Eswatini National chess qualifiers hosted over the weekend.
The Trojan Horse Chess Club player accumulated 5,5 points out of a possible 6 only settling for a draw in the last round against qualifiers second seed Lunga Malinga who finished 4th.Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane and Sobhi Mziyako finished second and third respectively with five points each.
Nosimilo who was paired against men from round the first to the last round managed three victories over Sikhumbuzo Mamba, Vuyo Dlamini, and Moses Hlope and two draws with Qiniso Matsebula and Francis Chasusa and one defeat to Sobhi Mziyako.
She concluded the open section with 4/6 points and on position 7 becoming the best female in the qualifiers booking a spot at the 2024 National Chess Championship.
Players that will compete in the 2024 Eswatini National Chess Championship next month.
Ladies
1. Nomcebo Sibisi (Defending Champion)
2. Nolwazi Nkwanyane
3. Nosimilo Mkhonto
4. Sincobile Dlamini
5. Temahlubi Dlamini
6. Nolwazi Buthelezi
7. WCM Nosipho Dlamini
8. Fisokuhle Mavimbela
9. Namisa Kuhlase
10. Nokuthula Mkhonta
Open
1. Mbongeni Mabuza (Defending Champion)
2. CM Smilo Hlophe
3. Vuyo Nxumalo
4. Philani Mtsetfwa
5. CM Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane
6. Sobhi Mziyako
7. Malinga Lunga
8. Qiniso Matsebula
9. Simphiwe Dlamini
10. Thabang Molapo