IM Bwalya Gillian of Zambia was crowned winner of the just concluded 2018 Namibia Open.
The 7 round event which ran from 27th to 29th July 2018. IM Bwalya Gillian obtained a perfect 7 points.
The setting of this grand event was the charming Out of Nature Country Lodge. The venue is 30 kilometers from the capital city of Windhoek. See link to their website – Out Of Nature Country Lodge.
Venue of the Namibia Open – Out of Nature Country Lodge.The event attracted a total of 50 players from neighbouring countries. These included Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and host Namibia.
The prize was an impressive NAD 17,000 (USD 1,250) with the winner taking home NAD 6,000 (USD 450).
Jele Tapiwa of Zimbabwe was second with 6 points. CM James Dimba of Zambia and Simon Bokamoso of Botswana were in joint 3rd place. The each obtained 5.5 points.
The second edition of this event had a long list of sponsors. Sponsors included the following.
1. Out of Nature Country Lodge.
2. Nyatoti Land Surveyors.
3. Rubinstein Chess Academy.
4. Young Engineers Namibia.
5. Namsports Organization.
6. OTB Sports.
7. 3D Printing.
Further details on this event can be found here – 2018 Namibia Open Regulations.
Raphael Nyakansaila was the winner of the 2017 Namibia Open.
Interesting chess facts on Namibia.
FM Dante Beukes who is 15 year old is rated 2155. He will be playing his 2nd consecutive Olympiad in Batumi.
Namibia (Zone 4.3) joined FIDE in 1991.
Mr Israel Shilongo is the President of Namibia Chess Federation.
CM Charles Eichab is the Namibian National Champion and is rated 2016.
FM Leonhard Mueller is the highest rated player at 2190.
Namibia is ranked 125 in the upcoming 2018 Batumi Olympiad. Kenya is ranked 134.
