Young wiz battling it out

Press Release

30 June 2009

Young masters battle it out

South Africa hosts the inaugural African Youth Chess Championship

The African Youth Chess Championship takes place at the Rochester House in Salt River, Cape Town, from Wednesday to 09 July, Chess South Africa announced today.

In a first of its kind, all African chess federations affiliated to the World Chess Federation (FIDE) are invited to send one player in the age groups of U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 to compete in the tournament. South Africa as the host country is allowed to have two players per age group.

“We are honoured to partner with South Africa to host the first African Youth Chess Championship and welcome all participants”, says Dabilani Buthali, President of African Chess Union, “We chose South Africa to host because of their well established chess development policies, structures and their proven ability to stage world class sporting events.”

Winners for each age group will get the opportunity to participate at the World Youth Chess Championship in Turkey this year from the 11th – 23rd November, and also earn FIDE accredited titles such as Woman Fide Master or Woman Candidate Master for the girls and Fide Master or Candidate Master titles for the boys.

Emelia Ellappen, President of Chess South Africa adds “This championship indicates our success in advocating for more international competitions in Africa.”

“As the host nation we are pleased with the exposure our young players are getting, as they showcase potential to represent our country internationally.”

“We anticipate very strong competition from our Northern African neighbours, players from Egypt and Algeria are exposed to many international tournaments and have much higher chess ratings. However in recent years, due to the growth and strength level of chess in SA we are confident some of our players will cause upsets.”

Nine countries will be participating in this prestigious tournament: Madagascar, Sao Toama, Mozambique, Kenya, Algeria, Egypt, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The championship will be played in accordance with FIDE regulations of a Round Robin System.

The event is sponsored by FIDE, City of Cape Town, Mazars Moores Rowland (Cape Town) the National Lotto and Chess South Africa (CHESSA).

ISSUED BY: FD Beachhead

Senzi Dlamini 011 214 2420 / 073 494 0030

Senzi.dlamini@fd.com

Pearl Mogadima 011 214 2412 / 083 458 0319

Pearl.mogadima@fd.com

ON BEHALF OF: CHESSA (CHESS SOUTH AFRICA)

For more Information contact:

President: Emelia Ellappen

021 696 1076/082 713 6162 /ellappen@telkomsa.net

Vice President: Brian Atchison

082 552 9324/ brian@chessa.co.za