The Mdina-Lusaka Province Chess Association (LPCA) Chess Open Tournament reached its grand finale at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), culminating in a thrilling showcase of strategic brilliance. Zambian contender Geoffrey Luanja and Zimbabwean participant Christine Makwena emerged as the triumphant victors, claiming the coveted titles in the Open and Ladies categories respectively. The heart-pounding Zambian chess scene never fails to deliver excitement, defying predictions at every turn. Commencing on Saturday, the tournament's outset provided no indication that the name 'Luanja Geoffrey' would eventually be etched onto the prestigious Copper trophy. Luanja's journey was a rollercoaster of challenges, starting with an unexpected fall when the less-favored Lwenyeka Brian upset him—a shocking outcome in the upper echelons of the competition. However, Luanja soon rebounded, displaying his mastery by triumphing over his compatriot Moses Zulu in the second game. With his spirits invigorated, Luanja displayed the resilience of a wounded buffalo, securing victories in three consecutive games until the sixth round, where he settled for a draw against Malawian Chess Star, Peter Nyama. The final day witnessed Luanja's triumphant surge, conquering all three games with unwavering determination. In the seventh, eighth, and ninth rounds, he outclassed fellow Zambians Sichone Alinaswe, Kantalamba Mushota, and Nyambe Maketo, scripting another glorious chapter in his chess saga. Luanja reflected on his nerve-wracking encounter with Zambia Chess Federation President, Mr. Leslie Chikuse, in round five, a match requiring tactical brilliance to navigate. Luanja's remarkable 7.5-point performance placed him at the forefront, but he wasn't the sole possessor of this score. International Master (IM) Gillian Bwalya and Fide Master (FM) Douglas Munenga also achieved the same result. However, it was Luanja who claimed the tiebreak advantage, securing the top spot. IM Bwalya and FM Munenga secured the second and third positions respectively. Mwape William and IM Richmond Phiri secured the fourth and fifth spots, both ending the tournament with an impressive 7 points. In the Ladies' Section, Christine Makwena and Tanaka Dziyanyi stood as Zimbabwe's sole representatives. These exceptional chess talents, aware of the nation's expectations, ignited excitement on the streets of Harare. Christine Makwena personified the adage "veni, vidi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered) with her swift and decisive march to victory, leaving Lusaka with a triumphant smile. Unblemished from the first to the eighth round, Christine's chess journey was nearly flawless, only encountering a setback in the final round against fellow Zimbabwean Tanaka. Zambian female chess stars Maria Banda and Woman Candidate Master Lubuuto Bwalya secured second and third positions with 6.5 points each. Mututubanya Portiah and Dziyanyi Tanaka secured the fourth and fifth positions respectively, both accumulating 6 points during the intense competition. Spanning three intense days, the chess spectacle unfolded under the expert stewardship of the Lusaka Province Chess Association (LPCA), attracting participants from Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and beyond. The tournament was generously sponsored by Malawian Engineer, Mr. Tiwone Mdina, adding further luster to this grand event.