The fourth edition of the Fountains Mall Open Tournament, which took place on May 17 and 18 in Jeffreys Bay, was a resounding success, drawing 110 participants from various regions.
The event was highly competitive, showcasing impressive chess talent across five distinct sections.
The five sections included Open, B, Primary School, Individual with Team Tie-breaks, and the Development section.
Sarah Baartman District Chess Union President, Gavin Persent, said that in a thrilling display of skill, candidate master, Neathan Peter, emerged as the new champion. This continued the tournament’s trend where no previous champion has successfully defended their title, similar to how previous champion, Frederick Odendaal, was unable to defend his title in the 2024 edition, and finished in fourth place.
“This year Neathan’s victory underscored his remarkable prowess and strategic acumen,” said Persent.
He said that the open tournament introduced a new team event in the primary school section, adding an exciting dimension to the competition.
The team event winners were Makukhanye Primary School, with Union High School winning second place, and Jeffreys Bay Primary School winning third place.
2024 Fountains Mall Open Tournament winners :
Open section:
Neathan Peter – winner
Ray-Lanche Booysen – second place
Dumisa Nkosi – third place
Bronwyn Marx – best female
B section:
Tadiwa Munemo – winner
Brian Krieger – second place
Riaz Salie – third place
San Marie Jane van Rensburg – best female
Primary school section:
Lune Kritzinger – winner
Somila Ngqoyiya – second place
Pedro Stuurman – third place
Imaan Arbi – best female
Team winners:
Makukhanye Primary School – winner
Union High School – second place
Jeffreys Bay Primary School – third place
Development section:
Waldemar Swart – winner
Imkhitha Stofile, Bendre Duvenage, Emmenual Prinsloo, Nate Krieger – runners-up
Bulumko Ndumela – best female
Persent said that the tournament highlighted the diversity and depth of chess talent within the community, offering a platform for players of all ages and skill levels to compete and grow.
He said that the success of the event was significantly bolstered by the dedicated efforts of the Sarah Baartman District Chess Union.
Persent said they wanted to give a special thanks to Nadine Scheepers, Marketing Manager of Fountains Mall, for her invaluable assistance in organising the tournament.
“Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of the event,” said Persent.
He further said that gratitude is also due to the main sponsor, Fountains Mall. Persent said their generous sponsorship not only made this tournament possible, but also contributed positively to the local community, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie.
“The Fountains Mall Open Tournament continues to be a cornerstone event in the local chess calendar, and we look forward to its future editions, which will undoubtedly continue to promote the game and inspire new generations of chess enthusiasts,” said Persent.
