In the Open section, International Master (IM) Stanley Chumfwa of Zambia currently leads the pack with 4.5 points after five rounds.

Close on his heels are IM Providence Oatlhotse of Botswana and IM Kelvin Chumfwa, also of Zambia, with four points each.

The Zimbabwean contingent has had a tougher time, with Vitalis Mapuranga and Spencer Masango sitting on 1.5 points out of five games.

In a dramatic turn of events, one of the tournament favourites IM Gillian Bwalya of Zambia lost to the tournament leader, IM S Chumfwa, in round four and subsequently pulled out of the competition.

In the Ladies’ round-robin section, the race for the title is heating up between Christine Makwena of Zimbabwe and Naomi Mwale of Zambia, both with 4.5 points from five games.

The two leaders will face off in a highly anticipated round six match, while Mwale will also be tested by Zimbabwe’s Woman Candidate Master Refiloe Mudodo in round seven.

Another Zimbabwean, Tatenda Ndou currently occupies the sixth spot out of ten ladies, with two points out of 5 games played.

In the Developmental U16 Open section, Candidate Master Kennedy Shane of Zambia is leading with a perfect score and Alinuswe V Namwai is also leading in the developmental- U16 Girls section.

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FM Zhemba, who has maximum points, continued his strong performance by defeating Spencer Masango in the fifth round. Zhemba’s tactical strength was on full display, as he managed to gain a piece advantage over Masango, ultimately leading to a winning position.

The tournament has seen its fair share of surprises, with International Master Gillan Bwayla of Botswana making a late surge after missing the first round. Bwayla currently sits on 3.5 points after being held to a draw by Tapiwa Rukara.

Among the other notable players, FM Roy Mwadzura has an impressive tournament, amassing 4.5 points. The Olympiad-bound duo of Zimbabwean National Champions Emarald Mushore and Vitalis Mapuranga are currently on 4 points.

Second seed International Master (IM) Providence Oatlhotse of Botswana is also still in contention, with 4 points after a loss in the third round to Joster Kandangwe.

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