Youth Day saw little brains buzzing when the littlies got together for a chess tournament.
In celebration of the important day on 16 June, young chess enthusiasts gathered at House of Chess on Malibongwe Drive for a rated chess tournament. The tournament was for U10 players only and aimed to introduce players to tournament play.
Chessnuts Chess Club president and organiser, Estelle Oberholzer explained that playing in a chess tournament should be fun and challenging. “But many players who are new to tournament play feel overwhelmed by the rules and format.
“Tournaments like these help players see what tournament play is all about, and develop the sport amongst the youth in our country.”
Fifty-eight players played five rounds of chess on the day. The U8 winners were Dawid Bezuidenhout in first place, Ezra d’Alton in second place, and in third place was Ariel Meij. In the U10 category, Caleb Levitan and Judah Levitan finished in joint first position, Kajol Naidoo was in second place and in third place was Sienne Scullard.
The best female players were Anneke Steyn, Kupa Chinoruma and Linda van der Walt, and best new players were Michael Comara and Malilika Bhan.
Various studies have shown that chess improves reading and mathematical ability amongst learners, and helps develop life skills, making it a fitting endeavour for a Youth Day celebration.
Related article: https://www.citizen.co.za/randburg-sun/310390/chess-club-on-the-move/
