Day 2 has left us with 2 leaders in the prestige section as both FM Banele Mhango and IM Johannes Mabusela have maintained their position by simply winning all their games.
Both players had tough opponents on their way to the top. The toughest challenge so far for the leaders has gone to Banele Mhango as he took on and defeat FM Joseph Mwale who has been and is still a dominant factor on the South African chess scene.
In the mix and just half a point away from our leaders we have FM-elect Michael Simpson, Selogelo, Othata, and Tsephe, Lebajoa. Please do remember that Selogelo Othata and Thephe Lebajoa are both rated 1700 making them the surprise winners of day 2.
The rest of the top 10 field doesn’t come much as a surprise with the usual warriors in the likes of Vusimuzi Mlahleki and Mailula Matsobane all just a point behind the leaders.
Going into round 5, my personal pick for “game of the round” is the clash between Michael Simpson and Tshepe Lebajoa both of whom are infamous players in their respective countries.
The Junior Champs Section concluded on Day with Kalimashe Tshireletso collecting the top prize whilst Joubert, Joshua Johannes, and Monamatha Diteboho finished second and third respectively.
How this event has shaped the futures of our Juniors? Only the future will tell but what we can guarantee is that they each got a lesson to take home and improve on.