Zambia: Amon Simutowe voittaa shakin GM-tittelin

[Hob]

Amon Simutowe wins SA Chess Open 2009, and is the first FIDE Grandmaster in sub-Saharan Africa

It was a week of firsts for the 2009 SA Chess Open. Amon Simutowe, a 27 year old Zambian chess player, won the 2009 SA Chess Open on 11 July, and became the first FIDE Grandmaster in sub-Saharan Africa in the same week. The SA Open was also the first FIDE rated tournament to include online matches.

http://blog.chesscube.com/amon-simutowe-wins-sa-chess-open-2009/

"I didn't have anyone to blame in chess for my losses and I didn't have to wait until I was 18 to compete nationally."
Amon Simutowe, on why he chose chess over football.

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4086
http://ratings.fide.com/card.phtml?event=8700168

Ensimmäinen Saharan eteläpuolisen Afrikan suurmestari on siis saanut tittelinsä. Saavutus on kova: suurmestareita oli 1109 kappaletta vuonna 2008. Tittelin kolmas normi saatiin SA Open-turnauksessa jossa oli mielenkiintoista kyllä kolme osallistujaa Australiasta. Turnaus pelattiin osittain Internetin yli.