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Chess Federation of Zambia
Budding star Kennedy Shane displayed remarkable skill and resilience as he concluded the Moja Chess Extravaganza in Kimberley, South Africa. Competing among 111 players in the B Section, Shane's performance was nothing short of impressive. Kennedy Shane wrapped up the tournament on a high note by securing victories in his final three matches. He humbled formidable opponents, including Brimarion Goliath of South Africa, Sechaba Khalema of Lesotho, and Pudungwane Lesole from Botswana. The 15-year-old prodigy accumulated a total of 6.5 points over nine rounds, comprising six victories and one draw. This outstanding performance allowed him to secure the sixth position, a significant leap from his initial 17th-place ranking. Shane shared his 6.5-point score with South African players Kennedy Horne and Andrew Springbok, who clinched the seventh and eighth positions, respectively. Notably, the trio finished just half a point behind four players with seven points each, with the final rankings determined by tiebreakers. These four players included Kuhlase Makhosonke, Thato Applegreen, Modirwa Ofentse, all from South Africa, and Botswana's Thuso Mpene. Thabang Mankga of South Africa emerged as the category winner with 7.5 points, securing his victory with a combination of wins, a draw, and a loss. Kennedy Shane's impressive performance positions him as a strong contender for a spot on the national youth team, particularly in the under-20 category. His dedication and skill in the world of chess continue to shine brightly, promising a bright future in the sport.
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