The Tanzania Chess Association (TACA) has congratulated Pasar Nasser and Neema Kisanga for their competitive performances at the inaugural Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Friends Rapid and Blitz Chess Tournament in Maputo, Mozambique.
TACA Information Officer Mussa Mangula said the performances by the two Tanzanian players were commendable, particularly given the strength of the field, which included several International Chess Federation (FIDE)-titled players from SADC countries.
In the overall Rapid section, played under a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per player, Neema scored five points from nine games, while Pasar collected four points from nine games.
In the Blitz section, played at three minutes plus a two-second increment per player, Neema secured six points from 11 games, with Pasar finishing on four points from 11 games.
Although neither player finished among the top five, Mangula said their performances provided valuable international exposure and demonstrated the progress being made by Tanzanian chess players.
“Participation against a strong field of titled players is an important part of Tanzania’s continued efforts to expose its leading players to high-level international competition and strengthen the country’s performance on the regional and continental chess stage,” Mangula said.
He added that the tournament offered the players an opportunity to test their skills against some of the region’s strongest competitors while gaining experience that could prove important in future international competitions.
The two players earned their places on the national team following impressive performances at the previous National Chess Championships in Dar es Salaam. They have also been training at Don Bosco, Upanga Campus.
Pasar won the men’s category at the national championships, while Neema finished runner-up in the women’s category.
Mangula said the latest outing was also an indication that TACA’s efforts to develop competitive chess and expose leading players to international tournaments were beginning to yield results.
“TACA will continue investing in chess and creating opportunities for our players to compete at a higher level,” he said.
He thanked the Mozambican Chess Federation and its partners for inviting Tanzania to participate in the tournament, which sought to promote and popularise chess among Portuguese-speaking countries and SADC nations while strengthening sporting, institutional and cultural cooperation.
Mangula said participation in the maiden CPLP and SADC Friends Chess Tournament was consistent with TACA’s commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for Tanzanian players and building a stronger presence for the country in regional and continental chess.
