“Malawians will learn few things concerning chess from the participants which will, of course, build a strong bond with other nations in terms of the sport,” said Msungnama.

Representatives from twenty-one countries are competing, and the best four will automatically qualify for the sport’s 2021 world cup scheduled to be held in Russia from July 10 to August 2021.

Presidents from various chess federations and Grand Masters—especially from Egypt and Algeria—are also in Lilongwe to witness the tournament.

Some of the countries in attendance are Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Egypt, Eswathini, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Somali, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.