Preparations for the National Chess Championship have been completed, with organisers confirming that the event is fully set to begin tomorrow, running from May 1 to May 3 at Peace Cock Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, Tanzania Chess Association (TACA) Information Officer Mussa Mangula said registration is still open and encouraged more players to take part in the national competition.
He said the championship is aimed at identifying the best players who will form the national team ahead of major international competitions, including the Chess Olympiad scheduled to take place this year in Uzbekistan.
Mangula said the association is expecting a highly competitive tournament, given the importance of national team selection.
“All preparations have been completed and we expect strong competition. The goal is to select the best players who will represent Tanzania effectively at the international level,” he said.
He added that a total of 10 players will make up the national team, with five selected from the open category and five from the women’s category.
On prize money, Mangula said winners will be awarded cash prizes to motivate participation and performance. In the open category, the winner will receive Sh250,000, second place Sh200,000, third place Sh150,000, fourth place Sh100,000, and fifth place Sh50,000.
In the women’s category, the winner will receive Sh150,000, second place Sh100,000, third place Sh80,000, fourth place Sh60,000, and fifth place Sh40,000.
The championship is expected to attract some of the country’s top chess players, all competing for national team slots and a chance to represent Tanzania on the international stage.
