The 2019 Africa zone 4.4 Individual Chess Championships opening ceremony were held on April 20, 2019 at the Oceanic Resort in Accra as nine countries look set to be represented at this year’s event.
The event which was initially supposed to be held in Cape Verde, was moved to Ghana. The tournament will see 61 chessheads – 50 in the open section and 11 in the women’s section- compete for a prize pool of $4,000 and the chance to represent the zone at the 2019 Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) World Cup to be held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia from 9th September to 2nd October 2019.
The event will also see the first black Grand Master (GM), Maurice Ashley, represent during the latter stages of the competition as the Ghana Chess Association’s (GCA) special guest, as the association looks to develop the sport in the country.
President of the Ghana Chess Association, Philip Amewu, addressing the media, said this year’s tournament is going to be an interesting tournament.
“Is going to be an interesting tournament because we have invited nine (9) countries and every country is coming with its best players so is going to be very very competitive. Whoever wins this particular tournament, shall represent Africa in the upcoming Worldcup in September. Is not going to be easy at all,” he said.
“Our biggest challenge has always been into monetary value so we are pleading with companies and stockholder to come to our aid and support chess because the game is a lesser-known sport so need a help,” Mr Amewu stated.
The 2019 Africa zone 4.4 Individual Chess Championships will commence from 21st to 28th April, 2019 at the Oceanic Resort in Korle-Gonno, Accra.
By: Emmanuel Asante