2023 Elite Besa Masaiti WIM Norm Chess Championship

 

Tournament players: 10 incredible ladies from 7 different countries

One morning, I received a random call from an unknown number that appeared to be from Africa. Intriguingly, I answered, and on the other end was Mr. Masaiti, a tournament organizer from Botswana, extending an invitation to his prestigious Woman International Master norm invitational tournament exclusively for elite female players. Curious, I inquired, "How did you come across my number?" His response was unexpected yet flattering: "You're quite famous in Kenya. We would be honored to have you." Faced with such an invitation, I couldn't resist but say "yes."

After concluding the proctoring of my students' final exams, I immediately embarked on a journey to Botswana, enduring a 32-hour flight. Throughout the flight, there was no time for rest as I dedicated myself to grading the final exams of 70 students, each spanning 20 pages. With relentless effort, I managed to complete the grading just in time for the commencement of the first round.

The opening ceremony was truly remarkable. Botswana National TV was present to broadcast the event live. We were celebrated with grandeur, treated like queens, and embraced as celebrities in a memorable experience.

Opening Ceremony

Live on Botswana National TV 

Players are being presented

It was a pleasure to converse with the  former president of Botswana Chess Federation and Chairman of FIDE Chess and Education in Africa 

Pictured with organizer and proud Dad, #1 woman players from Botswana and Nigeria

Quick interview with Botswana Chess Federation

Round 1: See full game here. 

Round 1: against Nigerian Woman's Chess Champion

Position after 21. ...Qa5

In this position, white enjoys her advantage. Nice space in the center along harmonized pieces aimed at opponents' kingside attack.  I was able to convert my advantageous position to score against Nigerian young talent— the strongest female players and the reigning national champion.

Round 2: See full game here

Position after 41. Qc8

In round 2, I faced against South African chess champion and #1 female chess player Woman International Master (WIM) Jesse Febraury. I managed to win a pawn and we both got into a little bit of time pressure. The continuation of this position was absolutely crazy.  Both players were under 30 seconds of time pressure at the end, I still have no idea how my king didn't get checkmated 🙈🤯💣. The position was so complicated and dangerous with no time to calculate, I just had to follow my instinct. I haven't felt this kind of pressure in a long time, I thought my heart was going to pop out of my chest .😅

Round 3: See full game here

Obtaining perfect score so far

Position after 31.Qxg5

In Round 3, I faced against Botswana's chess champoin and the highest-rated player. I obtained some negligible advantage from the opening and was able to convert it slowly leveraging my space advantage and strong bishop. 

Round 4: See full game here

Position after 13. g4

In round 4, I paired against young talented Besa Masaiti, who was the one who initiated and organized this event. She is one of the strongest players in Botswana, simultaneously pursuing her master's degree in financial engineering in the States. My opponent made a slight mistake leading me to have some tactical opportunities to gain material that was sufficient to win the game. 

It was nice to start the tournament with a perfect score after four rounds. However, the most challenging matches were ahead. 

Solely leading the tournament after 4 rounds

Round 5: See full game here

Position after 10....Bc5

In the 5th round, I found myself pitted against Poland's Woman International Master (WIM) Alicja Sliwicka. Unfortunately, a challenging opening led me into trouble, and I struggled to maintain my position, resulting in my first defeat of the tournament.

This setback posed a significant challenge to one of my primary objectives — achieving the WIM norm. To attain this goal, I needed to accumulate 7 points, and the loss made this task more formidable. However, rather than succumbing to discouragement, I remained determined. With four rounds remaining, the path to achieving the norm required securing 3 points, a daunting but not impossible endeavor. The journey ahead promised to be extremely challenging, yet I refused to lose hope.

Rest day

Following my initial loss, It was the perfect moment to take a break and rejuvenate. We visited the Mokolodi National Reserve to spend time with the fascinating giraffes, zebras, and other captivating animals. Despite the sweltering heat, the rest day transformed into a delightful experience filled with fun activities and the company of great friends. It provided a refreshing break, allowing me to recharge and approach the remaining rounds with renewed energy and focus.

Round 6: See full game here

Position after 18.Qf3

In the 6th round, I faced the Romanian International Master (IM) Aline I'Ami, who eventually emerged as the tournament winner. I made a critical inaccuracy with the move 18...Qd8, leading to a challenging position that proved difficult to defend. The realization of the impending loss hit me hard, and it felt as if my soul had left my body. At that moment, I understood that I had missed my opportunity to achieve the norm, and the pain was overwhelming. Regardless of what happened however, I had to regain the strength and resilience to continue the tournament. 

Round 7: See full game here

Position after 35...Bb2

In round 7, I faced against another strong WIM from Poland, Anna Kubicka. The position seemed to offer a slight advantage, characterized by a superior knight versus an unfavorable bishop. Despite this slight positional edge, the complexities of the position made the quest for a win challenging. Despite my best efforts to secure a victory and stay in contention for the norm, the game concluded in a draw.

Oddly, there was a sense of relief. The draw meant I no longer had to strain for the elusive 7 points needed for the norm. Although I felt a tinge of sadness and disappointment, this experience served as a valuable lesson. It highlighted that I had become too fixated on the outcome and had overlooked the importance of enjoying the process. In the subsequent games, I approached them with less stress, prioritizing the enjoyment of the game itself, irrespective of the final result.

Round 8: See full game here

Position after 16. g4

In round 8, I faced a strong WGM from France, Nino Maizuradze. The toll of several bad sleep nights finally caught up with me, and my calculations began to falter. In this round, a regrettable miscalculation led to a straightforward blunder, costing me a piece. Perhaps my awareness of being disqualified for the norm affected my intensity, making me somewhat careless. It's indeed unfortunate that sleep deprivation can significantly impact cognitive functions, and I'm particularly very sensitive to it.   

Round 9: See full game here

Position after 28....d5

In the last round, I faced another young talent from Botswana. In this double edged position, i was able to set up a nice tactic and execute it. White to move and win! I'll leave this up to the readers to solve it.  

Round 9

Closing ceremony: 

Closing ceremony was full of accomplishments, proud and laughter. 

Kindly accepting my award and monetary prize as securing 5th place. It was true to pleasure to be part of the event and representing both Mongolia and the US.

All smiles now! 

The opening and closing ceremonies were broadcast live on Botswana's national TV. Here are some clips for you to enjoy.

Congratulations to IM Aline I'Ami for winning the tournament! 

Special thanks to the Masaiti family, the Botswana Chess Federation, and the dedicated arbiters and all other staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of the tournament. Special appreciation also goes to the generous donors whose contributions made this event possible!"

Finally, I must commend the incredible venue of the tournament at Cresta Hotel Botswana. The hospitality was outstanding, and I was treated to delicious meals that left me endlessly satisfied. The buffet, pool, and beautiful surroundings added to the overall enjoyment. The staff was exceptionally kind, ensuring each day of my stay was pleasant and enjoyable.

Thanks, Kenya Chess Masala for featuring my game: https://kenyachessmasala.com/2024/01/im-alina-lami-wins-besa-masaiti-wim-norm-chess-championship.html

Following is one of the best compliments I have received: 

The competition brought a lot of enjoyment, but one of my goals in visiting Botswana was to promote the intersection of chess and education. On the last day before my departure, Mr. Masaiti arranged a meeting in Kasane town where fellow chess players from Poland and I had the opportunity to engage with parents, educators, and children. During the gathering, I delivered a brief speech highlighting how chess can positively impact children's education and serve as a means to introduce them to the world of chess. 

Despite heavy rain causing widespread flooding, our determination to gather remained unyielding. Mr. Masaiti displayed true dedication by personally carrying each child out of the car, ensuring their safe delivery to the meeting despite the challenging conditions. This commitment underscored the importance of the event and the shared belief in the positive impact of chess on children's education.

Some more content of the tournament, follow me on Instagram at @uyanga314

Tourism at Botswana

After the tournament concluded, Mr. Masaiti and Mr. Masole graciously invited us to explore the breathtaking sights of Botswana. Setting out on a road trip from Gaborone to the northern regions, I found myself with just two days to spare before my return journey. Despite the limited time, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join my fellow chess enthusiasts from Poland in experiencing the wonders of Botswana. Chief among my aspirations was witnessing the majestic Victoria Falls, a lifelong dream of mine. Along the journey, amidst the untamed beauty of Botswana's wilderness, I had the privilege of encountering an elephant in its natural habitat for the very first time. The experience left me utterly speechless, deeply moved by the raw splendor of Botswana's wildlife and landscapes.

"Victoria Falls," as the locals refer to it, holds the name "The Smoke that Thunders" in their native tongue. Victoria Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Africa, is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with a majority of the falls situated in Zimbabwe. During our journey to Victoria Falls, we were fortunate to encounter many more elephants along the way, adding to the already incredible experience. These elephants appeared distinct from the ones we observed on the Botswana side; their coloration was notably more brown. This encounter left an indelible impression on me, solidifying elephants as my favorite animals.

Victoria falls was absolutely breathtaking!

The Chobe River is a vital waterway in southern Africa, flowing along the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for safari adventures and river cruises. The river serves as a lifeline for the surrounding ecosystems, sustaining a diverse array of plant and animal species, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Embarking on a boat tour along the Chobe River felt like witnessing a live demonstration of natural geography in action.