National chess champs announced
The Bank Windhoek 2024 Namibia National Junior Chess Championships held in Swakopmund last week, marked the culmination of the National Chess Championships and the selection of the National Junior Chess Team for 2024.The event featured age groups ranging from u/8 to u/20 in both the Open and Girls sections, showcasing the talent and potential of young chess players in Namibia.
For the first time in the history of the championships, the top games were recorded on Digital Game Technology (DGT) boards, marking a milestone in the tournament’s evolution. Additionally, the event was listed for the International Chess Federation FIDE ratings, allowing players to earn international recognition for their performances.
In addition to the main matches, two Armageddon tie-breaker matches were played. In the first match, Vekuaterua Kaimu emerged victorious over Selma Kayawala. In the second match, siblings Helen and Francis Boshoff were tied with five points, with Francis ultimately securing the win.
Space for learning
President of the Namibia Chess Federation, Goodwill Khoa, said the championships not only serves as a platform for competition but also as a space for learning, growth, and camaraderie among young chess enthusiasts.
“As players battled it out on the chessboard, they demonstrated their strategic prowess, resilience, and sportsmanship. We are grateful to Bank Windhoek for their continued sponsorship of the event, which has been instrumental in its success. Their support has allowed us to elevate the standards of the championships and provide a platform for young talents to shine.”
The Boshoff twins, who played one of the Armageddon games, said the tournament was challenging but fun. They encourage young players to handle the pressure well and think ahead to win chess games.
Winner of the u/20 Open, Jazzmo Kotze said the tournament was difficult, but he remained confident. “I have targeted this prize since I began playing chess. Being the u/20 Namibian chess champion means a lot to me. It is my first time being a national champion for any age group,” he said.
Further competition at the Champ of Champs event is scheduled for later this month. Only the champions of each age group will participate, vying for the prestigious National Master title.
Then the focus shifts to international participation, with the African Youth Chess Championships taking place in Johannesburg South Africa in July 2024.
Winners
Open section
Frederick Cronje (u/8), James Dien (u/10), Fidel Boois (u/12), Pinehas Mweya (u/14), Tacco Urib (u/16), Junior Heita (u/18) and Jazzmo Kotze (u/20).
Girls section
Iyaloo Hamutumwa (u/8), Shadah Uanguta (u/10), Annalese Brown (u/12), Amelia Brown (u/14), WCM Jamie-Nicole Beukes (u/16), Luré Horn (u/18) and Keisha van Wyk (u/20).