Rubinstein Academy Winter Open proceeds for African Champs
Chess
Three of Rubinstein's young talents will soon test their skills against the continent's best.
Rubinstein Chess Academy’s Winter Open tournament aimed to raise funds for three of the club’s finest players who have qualified to represent the country at the prestigious African Schools Individual Chess Championship from 22 to 29 May in Mombasa, Kenya.The Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) players who will represent the country are Penny Shilongo (5), competing in the under-7 girls category, Jose Muronga (9), competing in the under-9 boys category, and Emanuel Gomes (11), competing in the under-11 boys category.
Held at Concordia College in Windhoek last weekend, the competition saw a total of 66 young chess prodigies compete across six rounds for top honours among the complete beginners (Level 1), beginners (Level 2), intermediaries (Level 3) or advanced players (Level 4).
The advanced level first position was won by Joshua Kamati from Moses //Garoëb Primary School, who was tied with Firmino Johannes of Cimbebasia Primary School, as they both had five wins, but were separated by tie-breaks.
In third position was Emanuel Gomes from Gammams Primary School with four wins.
The intermediaries level saw another tight match-up with the first position being a tie between Sem Nuukosho of Eros Primary School and Wiseman Shinedima of Windhoek International School, who both secured five wins and one draw. Nuukosho secured the overall position on tie-breaks.
Building Blocks Academy’s Edward Nadunya secured third place with five wins.
The beginners’ level was won by Building Blocks Academy’s Tangeni Ndjambula by a commanding six flawless wins. He was followed by Morne Connor of Little Bugs Academy, who secured four wins and one draw, alongside Yana-Hazel Wallenstein of DHPS with the same number of wins. Connor won second place by tie-breaks.
In the complete beginners level, the Building Blocks Academy players dominated, with Judith Iithete clinching first place with five wins, alongside Oye Mutotwa, also with five wins, in second place. Third place was secured by Tangi Ndjambula with four wins.
No traditional sections
Reflecting on the event, chief arbiter McLean Handjaba highlighted that the competition did not have the traditional open and women’s sections.
“We opted to have the boys and girls play on the same level, as most of the club’s strong players are girls,” he noted.
“We had parents from all sides of Windhoek show support at the tournament, as we endured six gruelling 10-minute rounds. It went very well with the junior players as they were excited to checkmate their opponents.”
The club is calling on individuals, businesses and well-wishers to pledge their support towards the African championship trio’s travel, accommodation and participation costs. Interested individuals can contact the club at 081 370 5880.
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