The Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) hosted the Namibia National Chess Qualifiers in Windhoek.
Chess enthusiasts and players from across the country gathered for four days of competition, concluding in the selection of the top five players from both the men’s and women’s sections.
The top contenders secured spots in the upcoming Namibia National Chess Championships Closed event, where they will battle for the opportunity to represent Namibia at the prestigious 2024 International Chess Federation Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary in September 2024.
In the seven-round Classical Chess Tournament, which attracted both Under 20 and Senior Chess Players, The competition was fierce in the Open section, with players navigating through each round for supremacy.
In the women’s section, the top five spots were claimed by, Keisha Van Wyk, Jamie-Nicole Beukes, Celeste Swartz, Patience Tsuses, and Linekela Itembu. In the men’s section, Jossy Uapingene, Christopher Ndoroma, Goodwill Khoa, Simon Hatwiikulipi, and Max Nitzborn. secured their places in the National Chess Championships Closed event.
The selected players from both sections will now face the highest-rated player, winner of Section B in 2023, and the top three players of 2023 in a decisive showdown.
The Namibia National Chess Qualifiers received sponsorship from Bank Windhoek, demonstrating the financial institution’s commitment to fostering excellence in chess within the country. Jacquiline Pack, Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, congratulated the players and emphasized the importance of chess as a powerful tool for enhancing thinking and analytical skills crucial for intellectual growth.
Expressing gratitude to Bank Windhoek for its continued support, Goodwill Khoa, President of the Namibia Chess Federation, anticipates fierce competition in the upcoming National Chess Championships Closed event. Khoa looks forward to the emergence of a formidable National Team that will carry the nation’s hopes on the international chess circuit.
Six regions were represented these were – Khomas, Erongo, !Karas, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, and Omusati.
