Six-year-old Mpho Bowers, a rising chess star and Modderfontein Montessori Preschool graduate, participated in the South African Junior Chess Championships (SAJCC).
He competed in the December event as a member of the u-8 team and wildcard individual representing Johannesburg Metro Chess.
Bowers took first place with his team in the u-8 B-section and an individual first place trophy for board two with a score of 100 per cent win rate.
He also received a second place trophy for his performance in the u-8 wild card event.
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The young champion started his career in February last year. At the end of 2018 he was the highest ranked u-7 player in SA.
Following his success in December, Bowers qualified for the South African Junior Closed Championships to be held in Benoni from March 16 and 23.
In April he is set to take to the international stage and compete in the World School Individual Chess Championships in Turkey.
Bowers credits his success to the discipline of mind gained from his martial arts training in taekwondo (Kookmin Taekwondo), karate (Russell Sim Dojo), and the support of the school’s chess coach.
