Silverest Plaza Chess Club Crowned 2026 Independence Cup Champions

Lusaka, Zambia

— Silverest Plaza Chess Club has won the 2026 Independence Cup after a pulsating finals day that saw 20 teams reduced to four, with both the final and third-place matches decided in playoffs. *FINAL: Silverest Plaza Chess Club 3-3 Red Arrows (x2) — Silverest Plaza win in playoffs* In a final for the ages, Silverest Plaza Chess Club and Red Arrows played out two consecutive 3-3 draws. The first final was full of drama. Red Arrows were trailing 3-1 and on the brink. FM Chola Musonda lost a seemingly drawn game in the normal final match, and Red Arrows’ Captain won a crucial must-win game to force a remarkable 3-3 comeback and take the match to playoffs. Silverest Plaza Chess Club held their nerve in the playoffs to be crowned Champions. *THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF: Silverest Plaza B vs Lusaka B Chess Club* The star of the day was *Linda Shaba* of Silverest Plaza B. With her team needing a win, she won a must-win game to force playoffs for third place. Silverest Plaza B went on to win the playoffs convincingly. Lusaka B Chess Club, led by Timothy Kabwe and company, played excellent chess but lost at the last hurdle. *FINAL STANDINGS:* *1st Place: Silverest Plaza Chess Club — CHAMPIONS* *2nd Place: Red Arrows* *3rd Place: Silverest Plaza B* *4th Place: Lusaka B Chess Club* *TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS:* – 20 teams entered, only four remained. – Major Shock: Top seeds Lusaka Chess Club, boasting International Master Richmond Phiri, failed to make the final four. – The tournament produced scintillating games of repute. The organizing committee thanks all clubs, arbiters and supporters