Fabulous cash prizes were dished out to the winners for the various categories in the MMK Chess Tournament that was staged at the Khoroni Hotel in Thohoyandou over the weekend. The two-day tournament started on Saturday and ended on Sunday afternoon.

The prize-giving ceremony was held immediately after the finals on Sunday afternoon. The biggest prize went to the champion in the open category, Michael Masungwini. He became R3 500 richer. His closest competitor, Andrew Makomele, went home with R2 000. The third prize of R1000 was won by Bismark Masangu. Masungwini and Makomele are from Johannesburg and Pretoria respectively, while Masungwini is based at Malamulele.

In the B category, Itani Masthamise from Vhurivhuri village took the first position. He received R1 000 and the Polokwane-based Kgaogelo Mahomole, who ended in second position, took home R500. The third-placed Tebogo Madiba received R300.

The primary school section was won by Bonolo Manenzhe from Tshivhazwaulu Primary School, who went home with R700 in cash. Muneiwa Rambuda from Tshidumbi Primary School obtained the second position and she was presented with R400, while the third-placed Vhuhwavho Mothiba from Tshivhazwaulu Primary School received R200. Tshedza Ralufhe, the only participant in the ladies category, was presented with a cash prize of R500.

During the ceremony, a representative from the sponsors, MMK Funeral Services, Mr David Mbedzi, revealed that his company will continue to sponsor the tournament in the coming years. According to him, the sponsorship will grow with time.