MBABANE – History was made over the weekend when Candidate Master (CM) Simphiwe Dlamini became the first liSwati to win the Eswatini International Chess Open.
The breakthrough came on Sunday as the three-day tournament reached its climax at the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) in the capital, Mbabane. The seventh edition of the event attracted players from Mozambique, South Africa and Lesotho, turning the venue into a lively hub of concentration, strategy and sporting rivalry.
CM Simphiwe topped the Open Section with 5.5 points out of possible seven. His only defeat came against bronze medallist Celso Andre of Mozambique, while a draw came from Lesotho’s CM Tsephe Lebajoa. The result marks a major milestone for local chess, ending the six years in which visiting players had claimed the title.
In the ladies’ section, Mozambique’s Women Candidate Master (WCM) Andre Sitoe claimed the title with a six points. Mozambican players further dominated the top positions in this category.
Beyond the individual results, the tournament served a broader purpose. It was the final competitive outing for Team Eswatini before the 46th Chess Olympiad, which begins on September 15 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Officials and players alike hope the experience of facing strong regional opposition has sharpened the squad’s preparation for the global stage.
Open Section’s results (Top 5);
1. M Dlamini Simphiwe (Eswatini) – 5.5
2. Carquete Galilei (Mozambique) – 5.0
3. Celso Andre (Mozambique) – 5.0
4. Hamid Gulamo Jamal (Eswatini) – 5.0
5. CM Tsephe Lebajoa (Lesotho) – 5.0
Ladies Section’s results;
1. WCM Sitoe Andre (Mozambique) – 6.0
2. WCM Castro Aridas De (Mozambique) – 5.0
3. WFM Lieketseng Ngatane (Lesotho) – 5.0
4. Malenda Ana (Mozambique) – 4.0
5. Sozinho Jose (Mozambique) – 4.0
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