The much-anticipated Kumbaya Africa Individuals Chess League began on Saturday May 7 at Meridian Karino School.

There were 59 players who participated in this nail-biting open day in which two rounds were played.

The Coach Chess Academy, under Mpumalanga Chess, is the host of this league.

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The academy’s Eddy Bhila said, “This is a 14-round chess league played over 12 weeks. The league players are divided into two sections: Prestige and Section

A (juniors). A few players in Prestige, Dhludhlu Seuntjie, Mathonsi Innocent and Tholo Phumuza, are on two points.

“In Section A, we have 11 players who are on two points out of the two rounds played so far. There are 44 in this section.”

“The league is International Chess Federation (Fide)-rated; this means that it shall be run according to the Fide laws of chess. No electronic devices may be used in the playing area during official games.

“Trophies will be awarded to each section’s first-place winner, medals will be given to the top three players – gold, silver and bronze. The prize money for first place in Prestige is R3 000, second R2 000 and third R1 500. In Section A first place gets R2 000, second R1 500 and third R1 000.

“Spectators will be allowed in the playing area, provided they adhere to the Fide rules, remain quiet and orderly without causing any distractions. They are not to assistant arbiters and therefore should not assume that role in any way. They are merely there
to observe.”

Bhila said the next events are on May 21, June 4 and 18, and July 2, 23 and 30.