Strategic moves made to celebrate Chess Day
In a bid to promote chess and raise awareness surrounding the sport, KZN Chess Academy hosted a tournament at Gordon Road Park on Florida Road. The young and old as well novices and champs made winning moves to make the tournament a success.
INTERNATIONAL Chess Day celebrations in Durban, hosted by the KZN Chess Academy at Gordon Road Park on Florida Road, brought out both the young and old for a friendly tournament and games on Sunday.
In a game of strategic thinkers, the youngest competitor was seven years old and eldest 69 years old. KZN Chess Academy director, Erick Takawira, said that it was all about having fun and raising awareness on International Chess Day, which is annually celebrated on July 20. The games were played in a round robin format, from 09:00 to 15:00. Takawira said that the idea behind the celebration was to promote chess by encouraging everyone to come out and play.
“We chose this location because it is central. It was a strategic move of hosting the tournament at an iconic park on an iconic street,” he said.
The day was celebrated under theme of ‘Every Move Counts’, which was definitely the view of novice player, 10-year-old Thato Masibi, who tested his skills against FIDE rated players like under-8 Junior Master, Mia Lakshmi Ramsurup, who was visiting from Dubai.
Also Read: Durban prodigy wins SA Open Chess Championship
“I had fun,” said Masibi who has been playing chess since 2023. “I don’t play chess professionally and usually play with friends or family, so it was good for me to come here. I learnt some new moves and got to meet other players that I can learn the game from.”
Takawira said that is what the tournament was about, increasing visibility of the sport. “I think that we achieved what we aimed to do. You had players from different age ranges and skills playing each other for fun. I hope we were successful in encouraging other people to take up chess,” he added.
The KZN Chess Academy tournament was supported by Dragon Protection Services, KZN Board and Timber and Durban Tourism. For more information on the organisation and upcoming tournaments, contact Takawira on 073 434 8634 or WhatsApp 076 233 3510.
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