Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor

IT was excitement galore as the inaugural Victoria Falls Sports Academy International Chess Tournament ended this Wednesday with Colletta Wakuruwarewa emerging as the overall winner.

After a gruesome five days, the inaugural Victoria Falls Sports Academy International Chess Tournament ended in the resort city.

The tournament had participants from as young as the under-eight category up to the open section.

The hosts dominated all the junior categories, while Zambia scooped the top three prices.

In the women’s section, it was a local delight as Colletta Wakuruwarewa walked away with the top price.

“I am very happy with the way I played, and this tournament offered me the chance to prepare for the national championships that are coming up in December.”

Wakuruwarewa, who had to sacrifice to come for the tournament, never lost a match on her way to victory after seven wins and two draws and along the way managed to defeat highly rated Linda Shaba.

The Zimbabwe Chess Federation also paid tribute to the organisers of the tournament for spreading the game.

“This is very good, hosting an internationally rated tournament as the first edition, we applaud the Victoria Falls Sports Academy for spreading the game and we also applaud their leader Mercy Mushangwe, it is not easy for ladies in chess, but she has stood strong and we hope that this will become an annual event,” said the Zimbabwe Chess Federation administrator, Kudakwashe Sibanda.

The Victoria Falls Sports Academy International Chess Tournament had international rating points and was used as preparations for the Zimbabwe nationals set for the 14th until the 18th of December.