The main challengers are not inclined to make chest thumping comments before games begin but it is clear that the national Rapid and Blitz chess contests scheduled this weekend will be fierce.

From Saturday to Sunday, at Hilltop Hotel in Remera, more than 20 players will compete in a 15 minute nine round Rapid chess contest and also clash in a trickier test, an inaugural Blitz contest (11 rounds) whose time control will be five minutes.

Players will challenge on individual basis in both tournaments. It will be the second time the Rwanda Chess Federation (FERWADE) organizes a Rapid chess contest following last year’s event won by Godfrey Kabera of Eagles Chess Club (ECC).

Kabera on Wednesday said: "I am looking forward to the tournament, and I hope to see an emergence of youthful talents as well. It is likely to be very competitive, which should make it enjoyable.”

Ben Zimurinda of Vision Chess Club (VCC), the only player who managed a win against Kabera to emerge third best following Alexis Ruzigura, also of ECC, in last year’s six-round Rapid tourney is keen on aiming higher this time.

Zimurinda said: "It is my aim to shoot higher and I am optimistic. I urge all other players to participate in big numbers, as well as urge the organizers to ensure the tournament is well organized.”

Within the local chess fraternity, Zimurinda is regarded as a future force to reckon with. His deftness continues to astonish opponents.

"The progress made by Ben Zimurinda is commendable. His performance is promising,” FERWADE Vice President, Kevin Ganza, said of the former, last year. Last year’s competition attracted 16 players.

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