After a two-year poor form, Chuma Mwale regained his winning formula during the two-day Southern Region second edition qualifiers of the 2011 Lab Enterprises Individual Chess Championships at the College of Medicine (CoM) on 28th August 2011.
He led the 10-member pack of the men’s A category into the finals.
The 21-year-old accumulated 5.5 points after winning five of his six matches and drew once against his runner-up, former national champion Kajani Kaunda who finished with 4 points in the 40-player contest.
Kaunda had the same points as Joseph Nyambalo, Charles Chiwaya, Gerald Mphungu, Mayamiko Pemba, Chiletso Chipanga and James Kamowa, who emerged third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth respectively. But Kaunda’s superiority came through a buccholz tiebreaker. Allan Mambulasa and Makhosi Nyirenda completed the list with 3.5 points each.
But for Mwale, the seat of the contest is a clear sign that his title drought is finally coming to an end.
“It has been a while since I tasted the great feeling of winning a competition. During these two days, I managed to beat great players and I am determined to maintain this winning streak as the finals begin in the next two weeks,” said Mwale.
In men’s B category, Festus Kayenda went on top with 5 points, the same as second-placed Raymond Phiri. Francis Nyasulu and John Nkumba reked 4.5 points each to respectively share the third and fourth points.
Shadreck Mhone, Nedson Mhone, Mphatso Nyirenda, Diston Chosaine, Gift Kavule and Howard Kumitawa completed the list of qualified players into the finals.
Qualifiers in the Central and Northern regions are expected to be held this weekend, according to Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) chairperson Mess Leagae Susan female players have automatically made it to the finals.