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