Pupils test skills against chess grand master

LOCAL young chess whizzes tested their skills against a Polish chess Grand Master at Berea Primary School at the weekend.

The opportunity was part of a KZN Chess Association Chess Camp for talented young chess stars of Durban.

Grand master Katarzyna Toma of Poland was happy to coach and play against KZN’s young talent to develop chess in the province.

Toma is in the country to develop chess in children and especially young women and wants to change the stereotype of chess being an older male dominated sport.

“My aunt taught me to play chess when I was just six. I would play after school. It was only later that the talent was recognised in me,” she said.

After spending a day with local chess champs, she said, “Durban has quite a few talented players. I’ts good to see they are hungry for knowledge.”

Kiara Rooplall, a grade six pupil and KZN junior chess player said it was very exciting to have an opportunity to learn from and play against a chess grand master. It’s amazing, she’s here from across the world to teach us and share her expertise. I will definitely use the moves I learned today in the future,” she added.

Eric Takawira, SA chess coach was glad to have Toma share her expertise with the youngsters. “South Africa doesn’t have a grand master so since these kids already have talent, its a huge opportunity for them to develop that talent with coaching from someone with as much experience as Katarzyna,.”