Wendy Nambule, "Zambia's Absence At Olympiads Saddens Simutowe," The Post, 19 October 2004 (Lusaka, Zambia).

Zambia's chess International Master, Amon Simutowe, says it is unfortunate that the national team had been denied the opportunity to become continental champions at the ongoing 36th World Chess Olympiads in Spain.

The American based chess ace said he was honoured to have radically altered his schedule and make a positive difference in the team while representing Zambia at the prestigious championships which run from October 14 to 31.

"It's unfortunate the team has been denied this opportunity to become the continental champions, I envisaged we would be at the end of the Olympiads as I tried my level best in preparing towards this goal," Simutowe said.

He expressed confidence that Zambia would have improved from their second place position which they had achieved at the previous Olympiads two years ago.

"I was very encouraged and impressed that the women's team consisted of young talents like Epah Tembo who is only eleven years old, among the new faces in this year's team composition, who I believe needed opportunities and exposure to develop their talent," Simutowe said.

Meanwhile, Simutowe last weekend traveled to Reno, Nevada were he took part in a tournament which was graced by former World Champion, Boris Spassky.

"I will be participating in the Grand Master Tournament here in the United States from December 7 -15 where I will do my best and work very hard," said Simutowe.

2002 Olympiad Team in Bled, Slovenia: (kneeling, from left to right) IM Amon Simutowe (Bd. 1), Stanley Chumfwa (Bd. 2), FM Nase Lungu (Bd 3) and Tizenge Mbambara (Bd. 4); standing, from left to right, are Gershom Muzende (Bd. 5), Malupande Lungu (Bd. 6) and David Zulu (captain). Photo by Jerry Bibuld.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 19 October 2004