PINETOWN Boys’ High School, Grade 9 pupil Duncan Padmore will be flying to Stellenbosch to take part in the South African Junior Chess Championship (SAJCC).
Duncan said his father taught him how to play chess when he was in Grade 3, but only started playing professionally in Grade 6 when he developed a love for the game.
“I noticed I was good at it which is why I joined the Durban Chess Club, the biggest chess club in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Duncan has made the KZN team where he came fourth and has now qualified for the SAJCC and will competing against 25 players in the U16 division. He is also ranked first in the school’s team and teaches pupils the skills and knowledge of the chess game which he has learnt over the years.
Apart from being a chess champ, Duncan also plays volleyball and is in the school’s debating team. He is also a big fan of cricket and rugby.
“My favourite subjects are Geography and Maths. In my spare time, I love exploring nature with my telescope, especially looking at the stars at night,” said Duncan.
