Young chess players prepare for battle
07 September 2007

An artillery of deadly moves has been amassed by some of the Western Cape’s sharpest young chess minds as they go into battle at the PEP Student Prince Chess Open. Intense 60-minute chess matches will see strategic mind games being played to decide who has the ultimate wit and skill. The province’s highest ranking junior chess players will be in action at Wynberg Boys High School between 15 and 17 September 2007 to defend or earn their rankings.

“The PEP Student Prince Chess Open, organized by Western Province Junior Chess, forms part of the breeding ground for some of the most talented junior chess players in the country”, says Emelia Ellappen, President of Chess-SA. “PEP has identified the immense benefit that can be derived from spreading the game of chess and have partnered with us on this venture”.

Of the 20 000 registered chess players with Chess-SA, most are juniors of 10 - 16 years old. With the aim of winning the national title in mind, these young brain-boxes are undergoing intense preparations for the Chess SA nationals in Bloemfontein (2–12 December). The top juniors then go on to represent South Africa at various international tournaments. South Africa holds the current African junior champions title. (South Africa’s senior men’s and women’s teams are currently ranked second in Africa). It is every player’s aim to qualify for the International Chess Olympiad, held every two years, as this is the World Cup of Chess.

“Chess is the aerobics of the mind, it improves academic performance and, best of all, it improves self-esteem”, says PEP’s marketing director, Marcus Banga. “Playing chess at a competitive level develops critical thinking, logic and reasoning. It also enhances problem-solving abilities, memory, concentration, visualization skills, patience, determination and good sportsmanship. We’re proud to be involved with a sport that has so many uplifting qualities.”

Registration for the PEP Student Prince Open takes place on Saturday 15 September at Wynberg Boys High School from 07:45-8:15. Players must be registered with Chess- SA in order to participate and they must also bring their own clocks. Be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted!