Marilene makes all right moves
Marilene van den Bergh is a 10-year-old girl who gives adults a run for their money when it comes to playing chess.
POLOKWANE – Marilene van den Bergh is a 10-year-old girl who gives adults a run for their money when it comes to playing chess.
Marilene, who is a learner at Laerskool Pietersburg, was recently chosen as one of nine learners in Limpopo to compete in the South African junior closed chess championships at Hoërskool Waterkloof from April 3 to 10. If she finishes in the top three, she will receive her South African colours.
“When Marilene was still very young, we played chess on my computer and she became fairly good at it,” her proud father, Marius, says.
“When she started primary school, she was asked to play chess for the school in gr. 1. From there on there was no stopping her,” her mother, Maria, says.
She is currently the number two chess player at her school and she ended in fifth place at the Limpopo junior selection open challenge.
Marilene says the youngest player she played at the Limpopo junior selection open challenge was an u/14 boy and the oldest was an u/20 player.
She says she also played against a grandmaster who didn’t think she would be a challenge.
“We almost ended in a tie, and he only managed to beat me at the very end,” she says.
She currently trains three times a week under the tutelage of Frans and Jeannie Badenhorst, and her parents say she practises on her own countless times each week.
“I also love playing tennis and soccer, but chess is still my favourite game, because you think way more in chess than in any other sport,” Marilene says.
She also says chess helps to improve her mathematics.
Her heroes are South African Protea captain, AB de Villiers and former Springbok rugby player, Morné Steyn.
“We are extremely blessed to have her as a daughter. She is so smart and we believe that she will impress at the chess championships,” her parents agree.
“One day I’ll be a grandmaster and only those who have guts will challenge me,” says Marilene.
Anyone interested in sponsoring Marilene’s trip to the upcoming South African junior closed chess championships, as well as her accommodation, can contact Marius at 076 327 9212 or Maria at 076 604 7695.
