Chess International Master Jere takes the lead

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 09:41:33 +0000

By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA

INTERNATIONAL Master (IM) Daniel Jere shot to the summit of the table and looked set to win the Zambia Open Chess Championship after round seven.

Jere beat Michael Kaoma in round six before dislodging IM Gillian Bwalya from the top with a tactical win in round seven to gain a point. The victory pushed Jere to 5.5 points.

He was happy with his performance in the two rounds saying he was focused on winning the Championship.

Jere said the level of competition was high among the players.

“It’s been a good six and seven rounds play. The opponents gave me a tough game. I am targeting a better play in the last two rounds,” he said.

IM Chitumbo Mwali was on second position with 5.5 points after defeating Geoffrey Luanja while Stanley Chumfwa in third place with 5.0 points.

Lunaja , Bwalya and Judah Simulundu  were tied with 4.5 points apiece.

IM Richmond Phiri’s performance in the seventh round was not impressive to drawing with Robson Kameya. The loss moved Phiri to eighth place on 4.0 points. Others with 4.0 points are Justin Daka, Arnold Suiluta and Kameya.

The two foreign players in the competition Zimbabwean Spencer Masango and South African Candidate Master (CM) Jurgensen Grahamwere lying on 18th and 19th places with 2.0 and 2.5 points receptively. The tournament is scheduled to close today.