04/13/2016
Since we got back from the SAJCCC 2016 in Bloemfontein there was not much time to report back on the tournament and pay tribute to our players. I am glad to have across on the KZN Chess website that Mr Keith Rust has done so.
KZN were represented by nearly 40 players (boys & girls), and over the last few years, this total has slowly increased. Glenwood Chess Club would like to pay tribute to the success stories of the event and bring to your attention the successes of these individuals who go about their business quietly.
The following results will show individuals who finished in the top 10 or tied for 10th entering play offs. As CHESS SA stated, the top 10 qualify for African Youth Chess Championships 2016 to be held in Port Eilzabeth.
Under 8 Girls
Archana Datharam - tied 2nd and entered play offs. She got the better off her opponent and retained her spot.
Yanti Nunnan - 6th place
Under 8 Boys
Kaedan Govender - tied 2nd and entered into a 4 way play off. Unfortunately he could not retain his 2nd place and finished 5th.
Under 10 Girls
Aarti Datharam - had control off this section from the beginning and finished winner without losing a game.
Charlotte Millard - she has been rapidly improving and this was shown by her great finish of 3rd place
Under 12 Girls
Priyasha Naidoo - 5th place. Narrowly missed out on play offs, but nonetheless, she displayed the will to win and to be successful players need this attitude.
Under 12 Boys
Jaedon Naidu - 6th place. Someone to watch out for in the future. Its a pleasure to watch him play
Under 14 Girls
Karmishta Moodley - 5th place. A bumpy start but good recovery.
Santham Moodley - tied 10th place and entered play offs. Successfully retained 10th place
Under 14 Boys
Cailin Chetty - One of KZN's young guns, claiming gold narrowly over fellow KZN rival.
Naseem Essa - 2nd place, missing out on first by half a point. These two individuals is a prime example of how competition brings the best out of each other and pushes one another to be better. Congratulations!
Eli-Jordan Govender - 5th place. Another player who is up there in this section and knocking on the doors of Mr Chetty and Mr Essa to dethrone them
Chad Millard and Sachen Pather tied 10th and entered playoffs. They finished 11th and 12th respectively
Under 16 Girls
Zahra Kara - 7th place.
Under 16 Boys
Shivar Gopaulsingh - tied 10th place and entered playoffs. He finished 11th
Under 18 Boys
Yashkar Balmakhun - 8th place
Duncan Podmore - tied 10th place and entered playoffs. He finished 11th
Under 20 Boys
Nashlen Govindasamy - tied 1st place and entered playoffs. Unfortunately could not claim gold. Nonetheless was a great performance from him. Currently the pride of KZN Junior Chess and a figure head for our up and coming youngsters. Glenwood Chess Club salutes you!
Of the 19 names listed, 14 are members of Glenwood Chess Club. We are super proud of your achievements and we sincerely are glad to have you with us. In 2014, KZN had 3 players who achieved SA Colours of which all were GCC members. In 2015, KZN had 4 players who achieved SA Colours of which all were GCC members. In 2016, KZN has 5 players who have finished in the automatic SA Colours spots (should they accept to participate internationally) of which 4 are GCC members.
Let us not forget to recognise our coaches: KZN had Sayen Naidu (GCC President), Erick Takawira, Lulama Qobo and Joseph Mwale at the tournament. Congratulations to Sayen Naidu on constantly producing South African representatives. 3 of his students finished in the top 2 (Automatic SA Spots), and his other 2 students finished in 5th place . Excellence is a hard thing to find in KZN Chess, and as a fellow GCC executive member, recognition must be given to Mr Naidu's efforts year after year. If anything, the last few years has proven testament to him being one of the best coaches in KZN, if not the best!
On behalf of GCC Executive Committee and its family, we congratulate all members from KZN and GCC that went to SAJCCC and achieved a milestone!
