George Mwale and Desiderata Nkhoma emerged victorious at their home event, Malawi Chess Open Championship 2022. The competition, financially supported by FIDE Aid Package, took place in Lilongwe from June 9-12.
The open section brought together 26 players competing in a 9-round Swiss tournament. It turned into a close race between George Mwale and Geoffrey Luanja from Zambia, who scored 7/9 each and tied for the first place. Mwale, who used the event as part of his preparation for the FIDE Chess Olympiad, came out on top thanks to a greater number of victories.
The highest-rated participant William Mwape netted 6½/9 and took third place.
Final standings Open:
1 |
Mwale, George |
MAW |
2025 |
7 |
2 |
Luanja, Geoffrey |
ZAM |
2150 |
7 |
3 |
Mwape, William |
ZAM |
2177 |
6½ |
4 |
Kamwendo, Precious |
MAW |
1934 |
6 |
5 |
Mwale, Joseph |
MAW |
2154 |
6 |
6 |
Chimthere, Alfred Charles |
MAW |
2047 |
5½ |
7 |
Mwape, Dennis |
ZAM |
2013 |
5½ |
8 |
Chiona, Richard |
MAW |
1896 |
5 |
9 |
Sharra, Leonard |
MAW |
1803 |
5 |
10 |
Mawango, Davie |
MAW |
1888 |
5 |
In the women’s section, a 7-round Swiss tournament, the rating-favourite Desiderata Nkhoma got off to a poor start losing her first-round game but then picked up steam and finished clear first. Aaliya Patel and Susan Namangale were a half-point behind and tied for second place. The second position on the podium goes to unrated Patel, who beat Namangale in the direct encounter.
Final standings Women:
1 |
Nkhoma, Desiderata |
MAW |
1465 |
5½ |
2 |
Patel, Aaliya |
MAW |
0 |
5 |
3 |
Namangale, Susan |
MAW |
1247 |
5 |
4 |
Mpinganjira, Ellen |
MAW |
1346 |
4 |
5 |
Msukwa, Tupokiwe |
MAW |
1362 |
3½ |
6 |
Banda, Tapiwa |
MAW |
1213 |
3½ |
7 |
Kapende, Sharom |
MAW |
1318 |
3 |
8 |
Khanyera, Dalitso |
MAW |
0 |
2½ |
9 |
Tadeyo, Charity |
MAW |
1134 |
2 |
10 |
Msiska, Royce |
MAW |
1250 |
1 |
Photo: Gilton Mkumbwa