Border chess team off to do battle in Potchefstroom
Last Updated: Dec 8 2008 3:19PM
2008/12/08
YESTERDAY an aspirant Border chess team took off to Potchefstroom to take part in the South African Nationals, which begin today, with the hopes of improving on last year’s performance.
At last year’s tournament Border’s U16s entered in the candidates category and were promoted to being part of the premium competition, the champions division this year.
According to Anton Kurtin, chairperson of the Border Chess Union, this year expectations are even higher and the target is to see two more age groups promoted to the champions category for the champions.
The travelling squad comprises 48 players spread out age groups ranging from U10, U12, U14, and two U16 teams. Kurtin said the team’s goals were to see the U10 and U14 gaining promotion and all the teams had been prepared well for this year.
“We’ve been having tournaments throughout the year and involved universities so that our players can get experience and some competitive games,” said Kurtin.
“We’ve also focused on coaching and brought in a coach from Eastern Province, who are stronger than us, just to add another dimension to our players’ skills.”
Anathi Mgetyengana, 16, from Buffalo Flats was excited about the prospect of representing Border in her first nationals.
“It’s awesome to be part of the team and we’re hoping to come back with the best results and for me it’s not always about winning, but also about learning from playing against good opposition.”
Today will see the beginning of the team event which will end on Wednesday, then the individual event from Thursday to December 17. — DDR
Source: http://www.dispatch.co.za
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