George Mwale was crowned the winner of the 2022 Malawi Open which ended over the weekend at the Lingadzi Hotel in downtown Lilongwe, Malawi. He scored seven points out of nine rounds to go home with MAW 300,000 (USD 300).
Geoffrey Luanja also scored seven points but was declared runners up as he had an inferior tie-break.
The hotly contested event saw fouor Zambians and 22 Malawians taking part in the event which was partly sponsored under the FIDE Open Aid Package. The nine round event ran from 9th to 12th June 2022.
The tournament boasted of a total cash prize of MAW 1.45 million or (USD 1,500). with the winner taking home MAW 300,000 plus a trophy.
Prize winners and officials pose for a group photo. Standing in front with their trophies – From left Steve Khota (Veterans), Daisederata Nkhoma (Ladies), Gracious Maseya (Youth) and overall winner George Mwale.
In this game, it appears that William Mwape’s attack would suceed, only for George Mwale to deliver a series of decisive consecutive checks to force the mate.
William Mwape v George Mwale
George Mwale’s only loss came when he faced Ken Foster in round two.
Ken Foster v George Mwale
Hope Mwazozo in action during the 2022 Malawi Open Chess Championship.
Geoffrey Luanja v Davie Mawango
The Open Section of the 2022 Malawi Open Chess Championship.
Ladies Section
Desiderata Nkhoma in the Women’s Section of seven rounds got off to a poor start losing her first-round game but then picked up steam and finished clear first place to go home with MAW 120,000.
Aaliya Patel and CHESSAM President Susan Namangale were a half-point behind and tied for second place. The second position on the podium went to unrated Patel, who defeated Namangale in the direct encounter.
The Ladies Section had ten participants.
Desiderata Nkhoma v Mdalitso Khanyera
CHESSAM President Susan Namangale in action. She scored 5 points to end up in joint second place.
Eventual winner Desiderata Nkhoma stumbled in round one when we blundered her queen on move 18 in her game against CHESSAM President Susan Namangale.
Susan Namangale v Desiderata Nkhoma
Tapiwa Banda in action during the 2022 Malawi Open Chess Championship.Poster for the 2022 Malawi Open Chess Championship.
