Men’s International Master Daniel Cawdery delivered a dominant performance to win the North Coast Chess Club’s first Elite Invitational tournament in Zinkwazi.

Hosted at Sugar Bay Resort from March 6-8, the three-day event brought together top players from across South Africa for a classical-format (90+30) round-robin, testing both endurance and skill.

Cawdery, a former South African chess champion from Pretoria, won all five of his matches to secure the title.

“The tournament was exceptionally well run and the hospitality was impeccable,” he said.

“All the players had an unforgettable time. I will definitely be back.”

Minenhle Ngcongo of Durban North finished second, while local coach Prince Mthembu of Charlottedale in Groutville took third.

“It’s the best tournament I’ve ever attended,” said Mthembu.

“I got to play against two of the best players in South Africa at a great venue.”

Former national champion Justin Wilken placed fourth, followed by Women’s International Master Charlize van Zyl of Gqeberha in fifth.

Ten-year-old Zinkwazi player Asher Ellender, the youngest competitor, finished sixth and described the experience as invaluable.

“I was disappointed not to win any games, but I learned a lot from playing against the international masters,” he said.

Ellender made his international chess debut in Kazakhstan last year, representing South Africa at the 2025 FIDE World Cadet Championships in September.

The event extended beyond the final round, with many players staying on for informal matches. The prize-giving was held aboard a boat on the Zinkwazi River before players departed on Monday morning.

Tournament organiser Zoë Ellender praised both the level of play and the atmosphere.

“There was so much brain power in the room, it was palpable,” she said.

“I found it astounding that after playing chess for about 10 hours, the boards came out again at dinner. These friendly matches were played until long past midnight.”

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.