Fourways’ Kajol conquers chess tournament
FOURWAYS – Local Grade 2 learner takes part in the SA Junior Chess Closed Championship.
Kajol Naidoo, a seven-year-old from Fourways recently took part in the South African Junior Chess Closed Championship held at Kopanong in Benoni.
The South African Junior Chess Championship is one of the premier junior sporting events of any sporting codes in the country. The history of the tournament dates back more than 30 years, with the showpiece attracting an excess of 2 500 junior chess players and officials.
The championship consists of a team event and a wild card event and the team tournament features regional teams of between six and 10 players who compete in age categories ranging from U8 to U20.
Kajol was part of the U8 group who regionally qualified through the SA Junior Chess Tournament which was held in December last year. The Radford House Grade 2 learner is also part of the Johannesburg Metro Chess U8 team and a member of Club Chessnuts of Randburg. She is coached by Craig Bornheim, the SA Protea Chess Champion and candidate master.
After rigorous pre-qualification requirements leading up to the prestigious tournament, Kajol won eight of her nine games which qualified her for 1st position (gold) and the title of SA Junior Chess Champion 2019 for U8 girls which was conferred with the accolade of most games played last year at the prize-giving at the conclusion of the championship, on Friday 22 March.
The seven-year-old will now represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games, international games and African tournaments.
Kajol has been a true local athlete recognised by the SA Department of Sport and Recreation as well as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.
“I worked very hard to win and had a lot of early mornings, but the rewards and my friends make it worth it. I also practice my maths a lot,” said Kajol.
