A few local stars stepped up and gave the visitors a run for their money at the two-day Trojan Horse Chess Club Open held at The George Hotel in Manzini — a real nail-biter from start to finish.
Over 60 competitors battled it out, with E5 000 up for grabs in the Open Section and E3 000 for the ladies across six rounds. Local favourites CM Simphiwe Dlamini and CM Smilo Hlophe started on fire, holding the top spots on Saturday — but on day two, South Africa’s young gun Selepe took over.
Selepe clinched the top spot with 5.5/6, while Chirindza took second with 5/6 (E2 000). CM Sikhanyiso Sihlongonyane was the only player from Eswatini on the podium, finishing third with 5/6, separated from the runner-up by tie-breaker.
In the Ladies Section, after a tie-breaker, Nomcebo Sibisi was runner-up, tying with the champion on 5 out of 6 points.
Source: Times of Eswatini — Trojan Horse Chess Open: Sikhanyiso and Sibisi excel