THE Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) successfully hosted the Namibia National Chess Qualifiers in Windhoek from 11 to 14 January 2024.
In a media release, the NCF says six regions - Khomas, Erongo, //Kharas, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, and Omusati - participated in the highly contested tournament.
“The stakes were high as the top five players from the men’s and women’s sections fought bravely to secure a spot in the Namibia National Chess Championships closed event, where the national team for 2024/2025 will be selected,” the statement said.
The qualifiers consisted of a seven-round classical chess tournament, attracting both U/20 and senior players vying for qualification and international ratings.
In the open section, the competition was fierce, with players battling for supremacy through each round.
Jossy Uapingene, Christopher Ndoroma, Goodwill Khoa, Simon Hatwiikulipi and Max Nitzborn, won the top five spots in the men’s section.
In the women’s section Keisha Van Wyk, Jamie-Nicole Beukes, Celeste Swartz, Patience Tsuses, and Linekela Itembu were tops. The players will now face the highest-rated player, the winner of Section B in 2023, and the top three players of 2023 in a showdown for a spot in the national team to determine the elite group to represent Namibia at the prestigious International Chess Federation Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, in September 2024, the statement explained.
Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, Jacquiline Pack, said as connectors of positive change, Bank Windhoek believes that chess is more than just a game.
“Chess is a powerful tool for enhancing thinking and analytic skills, crucial in fostering intellectual growth. The Namibia National Chess Qualifiers is one of the many national chess championships that Bank Windhoek supports,” she said.
Namibia Chess Federation president Khoa expressed gratitude to Bank Windhoek for its continued support in promoting chess excellence.
“The Federation looks forward to the National Chess Championships closed event, anticipating fierce competition and the emergence of a formidable national team for the upcoming international chess circuit. Chess enthusiasts nationwide eagerly await the unfolding of this exciting chapter in Namibia’s chess legacy,” he said.