Rising chess stars Emmanuel Rabvu and Nyashadzahe Kambezo claimed victory at the fifth annual JR Mawere Under-20 Individual Chess Tournament, held at Kwekwe High School.
The event, which drew record participation, saw intense competition as young players vied for top honors in multiple age categories from Friday up to Monday.
Rabvu dominated the boys’ section with an unbeaten six points, securing gold ahead of Kudakwashe Tembo and Tafadzwa Mukombedza.
In the girls’ division, Kambezo outperformed her rivals with 6.5 points, finishing ahead of Carol Ndlovu and Grace Zvarebwa, who took silver and bronze, respectively.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and aim to expand this into a major regional competition,” said tournament chairman Itayi Madicha.
“We are grateful to Kwekwe High for giving us favourable accommodation.
“The event was used to assess and upgrade chess arbiters, reinforcing its developmental impact.
The competition also served as a qualifier for the intercontinental junior chess championship in Cape Verde.
