Chess tourney for Swakop The Kehat Beukes Memorial chess tournament will be taking place in Swakopmund this weekend.The tournament stretches back to 1994 and is one of the longest-running competitions in Namibia in any sport.
The vice-president of the Namibia Chess Federation, Charles Eichab, said: “The intent of creating a light and fun yet competitive tournament was achieved with the institution of this tournament. It’s the oldest chess tournament and sort of a heritage event.
“We plan to return the tournament to its historic stronghold of Swakopmund as per its founding mission to engage the travelling masses in a holiday chess event.
“Last year we also hosted the tournament at your conference centre which was well attended by many players from around the country and abroad.”
The founder of the tournament was the late Kehat Beukes, who was the first black specialist in Namibia and also the president of the Namibia Chess Federation from 1994 until his death in 1999.
The tournament will be played over nine rounds and the focus will be on advancing junior chess.
Earlier this year, the chess federation hosted the Junior Open in Walvis Bay, where over 350 children from more than 50 schools participated under the same roof.
The organisers expect 45 to 65 players. Registrations close today.
Five rounds will be played on Saturday, while four rounds are scheduled for Sunday. Bank Windhoek sponsored the competition to the tune of N$15 000.
PRIZES
Open
1. N$2 000
2. N$1 500
3. N$1 200
4. N$800
5. N$ 600
Best Junior
1. N$800
2. N$500
Best Woman
1. N$800
2. N$500
SPORTS REPORTER