Midrand Chess Club’s prodigy Arham Khalife wins gold at JMC Crawford International Tournament
Arham’s preparation paid off as he remained undefeated, turning critical positions into winning chances through sharp tactics and steady confidence.
Midrand Chess Club’s prodigy Arham Khalife (14) recently bagged a gold medal at the prestigious JMC Crawford International Tournament 2025 held in Sandton.
Read more: Midrand Chess Club continues to inspire and empower local talent
This victory highlights a larger mission the club is executing: to make chess accessible, competitive, and empowering for young players in Midrand.
The tournament on May 10 was fiercely contested, with Arham going head-to-head against some of the strongest competitors in his category. Each player had 60 minutes on the clock, elevating the event to a classical and highly competitive level.
Arham’s success can be attributed to his thorough preparation, tactical precision, and remarkable composure under pressure. He maintained an impressive undefeated streak, skillfully capitalising on critical moments to transform balanced positions into clear victories.
With around 230 players in total, and 31 in Arham’s section, the Waterfall-based young chess player’s strategic time management throughout the tournament allowed him to play with patience and confidence, leading him to triumph.
Also read: Youngsters from New Jerusalem Childrens Home join the Midrand Chess Club for a practice session
The club demonstrated a formidable presence, with several players also performing admirably and securing valuable rating points. The club’s coach Kgosimang Molefe said Arham’s victory marked a significant milestone for both him and the club.
“For Arham, this is a testament to his dedication, strategic growth, and passion for the game. For the club, it is a clear example of the success of our youth development initiatives and a reaffirmation of our commitment to nurturing talent in Midrand,” added Molefe.
“I am incredibly proud of Arham. Witnessing his transformation into a confident and composed competitor has been immensely rewarding. His discipline, humility, and quiet strength are precisely the qualities we aim to instil in all our players.”
He concluded with an acknowledgement of the club’s partners and parents for their essential support of these rising stars.
“This is just the beginning.”
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