Makwena wins Mdina Lusaka Chess Open Championship 2023

Zimbabwe’s Christine Makwena won the 2023 Mdina Lusaka Chess Open Championship women’s category after winning 7 of her nine games ending with a rating of 1805. This year’s tournament was named after Tiwone Mdina, a Malawian Entrepreneur.

Makwena who also plays for the Zimbabwe National team was so thrilled and had this to say:

“All chess events are always thrilling; every round and stage is full of anxiety; you only smile or relax after your games end. This event was very important to my chess career. Zambia has some talented players, and winning an event with a strong pool of players is motivational as it isan indication that, as an individual, I am doing the right thing where working on my chess is concerned.

I lost two games and got a score of 7/9. The first loss occurred on day 1. I scored 2 out of the 3 rounds played on day 1. On the second day, I scored 3/3. On the last day, I lost the last round to a fellow Zimbabwean. The loss from day 1 pushed me so hard because I wanted the championship so much. Last time I played in Zambia, I got 2nd place with a score of 7.5/9. I am very happy for this achievement.

I would love to take this opportunity to thank my ever-loving and supportive husband for encouraging me and facilitating all the logistics to ensure my participation in this year’s event.”

In a statement, The Harare Chess Organisation (HCO) President, Mr David Mutenure, said:

We want to congratulate Christine on raising the Zimbabwe Flag by winning Gold at the 2023 Mdina Lusaka Championship. Her achievement in Zambia is a testimony that chess in Zimbabwe is on the right path and is destined for greater heights. As the Harare Pro Chess League and on my own behalf, we say Congratulations and continue to shine.

George Luanja of Zambia won the championship men’s section. Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) President Leslie Chikuse told ZNBC Sports News that the competition attracted over 200 participants from all 10 provinces. Chikuse said the turnout was encouraging, with 60 youth players taking part in the tournament.

About the Mndina-Lusaka Open Chess Championship

The Mdina Chess Championship is named after Malawian entrepreneur Tiwone Mdina, who resides in South Africa. Veteran Kajani Kaunda was the first to win the tournament in 2010, followed by Edgar Khan in 2011. Chiletso Chipanga won the title in 2012, Gerald Mphungu in 2013, and Peter Jailosi in 2014. Petros Mfune grabbed the title in 2015 before Mwali and Phiri won it back-to-back. International Master Mwali won the 2017 title, while Candidate Master Phiri was one of two Zambians to win the open championship. Fide Master Joseph Mwale restored Malawi’s reputation when he claimed it back from the Zambians in 2018.