On Saturday, 2 August 2025, the 13th leg of the Bank Windhoek National Grand Prix 2025 brought the Namibian chess community to the heart of Ongwediva at the University of Namibia, HP Campus Graduation Hall. Sponsored by Bank Windhoek and facilitated by the Namibia Chess Federation (NCF), the event was marked by energy, enthusiasm and a competitive spirit, from Saturday's first pawn push to the final handshake.
The tournament recognised Oliveira Santos, Titus Kandjimwena and William Kamberipa as the top three in the Open Section. In the Women's Section, Linekela Itembu, Gisbertha Haipinge, and Emma Vatilifa were acknowledged for their outstanding performance. Additionally, special awards were presented to Jones Shiningayamwe as the Best Local Player, Moses Ndemwoongela as the Best Junior Player and Erick Festus as the Best Cadet Player.
Throughout the tournament, Santos recorded a flawless score of 7/7. He delivered one of the most dominant performances in this year’s Grand Prix circuit. His calm under pressure, sharp tactical awareness and consistency across all rounds left no doubt this was his tournament to win. Kandjimwena secured second place with a strong 6/7 finish. At the same time, veteran Kamberipa brought his signature experience and strategic depth to earn third place with a 5.5/7 score. His bronze-medal performance served as a reminder that consistency and composure remain vital.
NCF President, Berdian Beukes, said that this year’s tournament reflected the growing enthusiasm for chess in the Oshana Region. “A total of 55 players gathered to test their skill, measure progress and cement their place in chess history. The event was a melting pot of experience and ambition that proved that Namibian chess is thriving and rising, one move at a time,” he said.
Beukes thanked Bank Windhoek for its support towards the event, saying the sponsorship is a driving force behind the growth and visibility of chess in Namibia. The tournament is part of a series of chess events hosted nationwide, underscoring Bank Windhoek’s ongoing commitment to advancing and developing chess in Namibia through initiatives organised by the NCF.
END.
