HPCL: Match Week 2 Highlights

The Harare Pro-Chess League (HPCL)continues to be a platform for young stars to play and showcase their talent. Many teams; Chitown Masters, Knights Chess Academy, Harare Chess Academy and Minerva Chess Clubs are now fielding much younger players. The future of Zimbabwe Chess is promising, keeping up with world trends where 17-year-old Gukesh D has just become the youngest player to challenge for the World Championship!

Asante Chess Club played against Belvedere Freepiece in the most tense game of the weekend. Nyaradzo Ranjisi, board 2 Belvedere Freepiece, was very excited after scooping a win in the end game. Asante’s new signing L.Tavagwisa won Board 1 on move 29 in a Queen’s Gambit Declined match against Takura. T.Mawire fought for his life against A. Matankike on board 5 in a battle which started in an English Opening.

Minerva vs Mhondoro was an easy walk for the Lions who dispensed the Minerva Youngerters 5-1. Minerva is a pack of young talent being groomed by Coach J Chibvuri. The Lions had 2 females who represented well in the game.

Last season runners-up Waterfalls had a date with Knights Chess Academy. Like Minerva, Knights Academy is a club that promotes young talent and on Saturday they fielded 5 young players. Maketo faced a valiant young Knight and fought till his last breadth only to be tricked into a Bishop vs Knight endgame. The bishop made some magic and the young Knight snatched away a win.

Harare City Chess Club was playing against the students- Harare Polytechnic Chess Club. The Citizens are a balanced team having evergreen Kudzai Chirinda and the resilient Refiloe Mudodo in their ranks. They look likely to defend their title.

Special thanks go to the HCS Chairperson Mr Mutenure who was present the whole day, his committee and technical team, and ZCF who continue to assist with playing equipment.