Strategic brilliance at chess junior champs

As the pieces settled and the final checkmates echoed through the Windhoek Gymnasium hall last weekend, the 2024 national junior open chess championship reached a thrilling conclusion that culminated in a crescendo of victories and defeats, making Namibian chess history in the process.

The competition hosted by Bank Windhoek and the Namibia Chess Federation saw winners of each age group win a trophy, with players taking the first three places in each category awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as cash prizes.

The top eight Namibian players of each age category (both open and girls) earned the right to participate in the 2024 Namibian Junior Closed Chess Championships (NAJCCC) in Swakopmund from 28 to 31 March, which in turn serves as the qualifier for continental and world championships.

These qualifiers’ names are yet to be announced.



UNDER-20

The U20 category saw Revian Willemse claim victory in the open section with six points, ahead of Henry Gaoseb who took second place with 5,5 points, while William Husselmann secured third place with 5,5 points.

The two U20 girls were merged into the open section. Penandjambi Tjipueja finished with a four-point dominance over Mia van der Merwe who secured three points.



UNDER-18

In the U18 division, Wilhelm Meke-La-Jesus Hainghumbi and Rebekka Megameno Abiater stood out in the open and girls’ sections, respectively, with 6 points and 6.5 points each.

Right on their heels were Gerson Vitalie Panduleni Haukongo (6) and Junior Nafimane Heita (5,5) in the open section, with Lure Horn (6) and Vekuaterua Kaimu (5) in the girls’ section taking the second and third places.



UNDER-16

Tuhafifa Pomwene Haipinge showcased remarkable talent in the U16 open section, securing six points, while Jamie-Nicole Beukes emerged triumphant in the girls’ section with 6.5 points.

The second and third places in the open section were taken by Sibusiso Angula (6) and Tacco Urib (5,5), whereas Linekela Itembu (6) and Siglinde Abraham (5,5) placed second and third in the girls’ section.



UNDER-14

In the U14 category, Fidel Shekupe claimed victory in the open section with 6.5 points, closely followed by Amelia Lesheni Brown in the girls’ section with six points.

The girls’ sections’ second and third places were secured by Inge Jacobs (5,5) and Hilde Boois (5).

The open section saw August John Mungunda (5,5) and Genius Sihlahla (5,5) place second and third.



UNDER-12

Meanwhile, in the U12 category, Johannes Christiaan Cronje dominated the open section with a stellar performance, clinching the top spot with seven points, while Annalese Lao-Letty Brown emerged as the girls’ section champion with an impressive seven points.

Their second and third-place counterparts were Fidel Boois (6) and Jathan Daniel Hangula (6) in the open section, and Helen Boshoff (6) and Anna Moongo (5,5) in the girls’ section.



UNDER-10

Moving to the U10 division, Qihao Hong (placed first), Hanro Henderson (second) and Shaun Simaneka Kanelombe (third) displayed remarkable prowess, each accumulating six points in the open section.

Shadah Uanguta led the charge in the girls’ section, securing a commanding seven points. Below her were Wellemina Ndinelago Shimanya (6, second) and Jacobs Carmen (5, third).



UNDER-8

In the U8 category, Frederick Cronje emerged victorious in the open section, securing an impressive seven points, closely followed by Jose Carlitos Muronga (6) and Lourens Con Swart (5,5).

In the girls’ section, Iyaloo Hamutumwa claimed the top spot with seven points, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. On her heels were Rainy Kitada Davids (6) and Vinaye Shiloh Kenikeyanda Lebusa (5).