Dude just dominated again. Tanaka Katsande and Nomalungelo Mathe locked down their spots for the 2026 Nationals after sweeping the Open and Ladies sections at the CABS Candidates chess event in Bulawayo. They ran the tables at the Christian Brothers College venue. This makes three straight wins for Katsande at this tournament, finishing with a perfect eight points without a loss. Mathe also didn't drop a single game in her section, putting up seven and a half points.
Katsande mentioned the competition was no joke, calling his opponents tough and prepared. He said his whole goal now is taking the national championship title, which would get him on the Zimbabwe squad for the Olympiad. He really does not want to have to grind through this qualifier again. Over in the ladies' section, Mathe admitted the games were a total stress fest, giving credit to her opponents for putting up a fight. She thinks experience maybe got her through, vowing to work hard to keep her position and win the Nationals too. The runner-ups were Norest Bhebhe in the Open group and Grace Zvarebwa for the ladies.
Some younger player named Nathan Moyo won the Under-16 Prestige group. A federation VP, Elvis Shora, thanked the sponsors and the hosts, calling the past few days a grindfest for organizers and players but good for the game. He praised the venue and hospitality. The whole thing keeps going in Bulawayo, which has always hosted this tournament.
Katsande mentioned the competition was no joke, calling his opponents tough and prepared. He said his whole goal now is taking the national championship title, which would get him on the Zimbabwe squad for the Olympiad. He really does not want to have to grind through this qualifier again. Over in the ladies' section, Mathe admitted the games were a total stress fest, giving credit to her opponents for putting up a fight. She thinks experience maybe got her through, vowing to work hard to keep her position and win the Nationals too. The runner-ups were Norest Bhebhe in the Open group and Grace Zvarebwa for the ladies.
Some younger player named Nathan Moyo won the Under-16 Prestige group. A federation VP, Elvis Shora, thanked the sponsors and the hosts, calling the past few days a grindfest for organizers and players but good for the game. He praised the venue and hospitality. The whole thing keeps going in Bulawayo, which has always hosted this tournament.
