WALUSUNGU SILWEYA – Lusaka
FIDE Master (FM) Andrew Kayonde on Sunday retained the national chess championship title at Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka.
And the Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) has selected a 10-member team ahead of various international competitions this year.
Kayonde amassed eight points from the nine round competition to fend off challenge from runner-up International Master (IM) Daniel Jere, who managed 6.5 points.
Kelvin Chumfwa was third on six points, half a point ahead of fourth-placed Chitumbo Mwali Richmond Phiri finished fifth with five points.
Meanwhile, Lorita Mwango was the women’s queen on nine points.
Constance Mbatha finished second on eight points and Linda Hamoonga was third with 5.5 points, half a point better than fourth-placed Kabamba Bwalya, while Rose Zeko, Precious Nshikokola and Mary Mashane were joint fifth on four points apiece.
CFZ tournament director Aaron Banda hailed the tournament as a success.
Banda said the trials attracted 24 players.
The national team comprises five men and five women.
The team:
Men: Andrew Kayonde, Daniel Jere, Kelvin Chumfwa, Chitumbo Mwali, Richmond Phiri
Women: Lorita Mwango, Constance Mbatha, Linda Hamoonga, Kabamba Bwalya and Rose Zeko