WINDHOEK – Namibian Champion Goodwill Khoa added another title to his already glittering cabinet of accolades when he scooped the Independence Blitz Chess Tournament, scoring 10 out of 11 points.
Khoa, the 2013 national champion, had an impressive tourney, suffering a single defeat at the hands of Otto Nakapunda who finished 3rd with 8.5. Four-time champion Charles Eichab was the runner-up after scoring 9.5 points. A disappointed Eichab said: “I had my eyes on a fifth Blitz title, but it wasn’t to be. The young ones are coming through the ranks now and giving us problems.”
The 24-year-old Khoa, a teacher at Jan Mohr, was surprisingly not too elated with his win. “I still don’t feel good enough; I’m not 100% happy. There’s still a lot of work to be done because everybody’s getting stronger. It was a well-organized tournament and I’d like to thank Unam Khomasdal Campus for the venue.”
Johannes Nyandi and Immanuel Gariseb finished 4th and 5th and walked away with cash prizes. The tournament saw 75 participants battle it out for top honours. Dolly Nepando again won the Best Woman award for the second successive season. In the U/8 age group Owen Gous was the only player to complete all games and was awarded top prize.
Hewicke Uatjiri won the U/10 category followed by Jushua Mulokoshi and Jody Hoveka in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Kevin Gurirab took bronze in the U/12 age group, which was won by Aldo Horn and Dante Beukes who both finished with 6 points each and none of the three tie-breaks (direct encounter, progressive score and most wins) could separate the two youngsters.
In the U/14 category, Hiren Naidoo edged out 2nd placed Mubasen Hochobeb and left Nguno Vilho to pick up the pieces in 3rd place. Former national women’s champion Nicola Tjaronda took home the U/16 title and was closely followed by Shikufa Haitembu and Etu Nangula.
Montgomery Gurirab, Kaakunga Kumujeke and Dyllan Bedja were the top three in the U/18 section while the trio of Immanuel Gariseb, William Kamberipa and Matjiua Kajovi topped the U/20 section.
By Staff Reporter