LEISURE. The fifth and final stage of the 2026 Boeny Chess Tour will take place this Sunday in Mahajanga. Dedicated to the Chess960 variant, the competition will bring together chess enthusiasts ahead of the circuit’s Masters tournament.
Named “Boeny 960,” this competition organized by the Boeny regional league will be held on Sunday starting at 8:00 AM at the Coco Lodge Hotel in Mahajanga Be. It marks the conclusion of the circuit before the Masters. This stage highlights Chess960, a chess variant where the initial setup of the pieces is randomized. Players must adapt to an unusual configuration and demonstrate creativity from the very first moves, without relying solely on classic openings. “Every stage counts and every game can make the difference,” emphasizes Andrianina Ramorasata, president of the regional league. The tournament will be played in seven rounds using the Swiss system, with a time control of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second increment per move. The registration fee is set at 7,000 ariary per participant. This final stage serves as a last opportunity for players to test themselves before the circuit’s Masters. Outside of this sporting event, residents and visitors can enjoy the city’s usual leisure spots, including the waterfront and the tourist village, or relax on the beaches and by the pools.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-17 06:23:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/week-end-mahajanga-les-echecs-lhonneur.html