Justicia Shipena
Fifty-five players recently battled it out in a chess match in Gobabis during the eighth leg of the Bank Windhoek Grand Prix series.
The event recently took place at the Omaheke Regional Library with a few titled participants, drawing interest from both experienced and young chess talents.
President of the Namibia Chess Federation, Berdian Beukes, said the event gave players a chance to earn Grand Prix points and improve their national rankings.
He said the Gobabis Open was a successful leg in the Grand Prix circuit and a positive milestone for the sport in the Omaheke region.
“The event further delivered a tightly contested tournament, with the top four players all finishing on six points out of seven and final standings determined by tie-breaks. A testament to the high level of competition on the day,” he said.
Uapingene, Uatiavi Jossy took first place, with his only loss coming against Arena Candidate Master Lazarus Shatipamba, who finished third. Candidate Master McLean Handjaba placed second.
Beukes noted that nearly half of the participants were under age 20.
Among them was 19-year-old Muundjua Mbahimwa Henry, who won the Best Youth Prize with a strong score of 6 out of 7. His only loss came against CM McLean Handjaba.
In the women’s section, Linekela Itembu led with 5/7 to claim first place. Tjatindi Kamutuua came second with 3.5/7, while Tuyama Muundjua placed third with 3/7.
Her brother, Henry, also won the Best Youth Prize, making it a proud day for their family.
In the cadet category, Katsvara Tanatswanashe impressed with a 4/7 score, showing promise in the youngest division.
Kazembire Tjiveta won the Best Local Prize for the fourth year in a row, continuing his strong record in Gobabis.
A standout moment from the day was the participation of a mother and son.
Stacey Kamundu and her seven-year-old son, Kaunatjike Uongeevandu, both competed. Stacey scored 3/7, while Uongeevandu finished with 3.5/7, narrowly beating his mother.
Beukes said the Gobabis Open showed how consistent support, dedicated players, and strong partnerships are key to growing chess in the country.
