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Kenny Solomon started the 2005 South African Open with 7½-½ before an upset loss to Spencer Masango of Zimbabwe allowed reigning Champion Watu Kobese to share the lead. Both players ended up with 9½-1½, but Solomon ended with slightly better tiebreaks and was declared the overall champion. Suvania Moodliar was the women's champion with 7-4.
Kobese was hurt by draws to M. Lewis and "Master Killer" Masango hurting his title defense. Masango finished 3rd on 8½-2½ while compatriot FM Farai Mandizha finished 4th on 8-3. Solomon's victory was a welcome site given his disappointing 7-4 result in last year's Open. These players will no doubt see each other again in the upcoming African Championships in Lusaka, Zambia in October.
Standings
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