TWCA Students won 5 Medals at the 2015 Namibia National Junior Open Chess Championships

TWCA students cut like a hot knife through butter at the 2015 Namibia National Junior Open Chess Championships. Yes, the opponents know they are in for a fight when facing a TWCA Student. They are simply the best. in the eight years of our existence we won more medals then any other chess academy or school in Namibia. They can't compete.

Here is why: Under 8 we had Jamie-Nicole Beukes who did not want to participate, but tried her hand after just 6 lessons. Our expectations was just for her to gain experience and we expected her to lose all her games. Jamie-Nicole proof us all wrong and came third overall. That's excellent performance.

Under Twelve we had a big compliment of players participating in this section. Luther, Keisha, Thomas, Sven, Lamek and Dante were the TWCA players to go for glory in this section. Dante had a perfect score 7/7 as he demolished everyone friend and foe in opposite him. He brought home the gold and the glory. Lamek came forth and Luther and Keisha qualified for the close Championships.

Under 14 we had only one student, Joseph Hoabeb. This young men had an uphill battle against veterans like Hiren Naidoo and Anthony Van der Meer. Unfortunately, he did not succeed to qualify but came 9th overall.

Under 18 was another one-sided affair as Christopher Ndoroma,Nicola Tjaronda and Tibor Trepper dominated this age group. They had no competition but each other. And so Christopher and Nicola both won their games against Tibor. Tibor was content with his 5th place as that meant that he would qualify for the close where he will seek justice. Christopher took the gold medal and Nicola the silver medal.

In the under 20 section we had Matjiua Kajovi a long time giant slayer. He scored 5/7 which earned him a bronze medal, as he only lost to Lishen and former TWCA Student Immanuel Gariseb.  

Nine of our students qualified. We thought more would qualify, but unfortunately not all could make the cut. Those he did not make it will be back next year and exact justice. Well Done to all TWCA Students! You all are awesome. 

We had our usual victory celebrations with students and parents and coaches gathering at Debonairs for pizza and drinks. It was a splendid trip.

Oyo the new star shooting through the sky and landed at TWCA...

Oyo Hinda, Correcting the pieces

Oyo Hinda, born 8 September 2010, first came to TWCA in March this year. Her Mother brought her elder brother and a cousin to register and enquire whether she can also enroll Oyo. The Coach asked: "How old is she?" Only 4 years old came the answer. Sorry, we can't take her, she is too young. What a sad introduction. Her Mother has in the meantime decided to buy a chess set and teach her chess at home. 

Daddy Gottlieb, Oyo and Dudley

Oyo was brought again to the chess academy. This time she came to show her chess skill. It was with amazement that we watched how this young daughter of Gottlieb and Menencia Hinda played a chess game against Coach William. She knows how all the chess pieces move, how to capture pieces and how to check. I was told that Oyo has developed a health appetite for chess and is craving to play this mind game almost everyday. Now only 3 month later in June we want Oyo to join.

What is there to gain from playing chess for Oyo. It was clear to me that Oyo has all the innate abilities to become a great chess player one day. 

Oyo vs Coach William

She will improve obedience. 

She will develop her self-control.

She will develop powerful memory.

She will improve her focus.

She will develop her critical thinking skills.

She will develop great self confidence.

She will develop strong nerves.

This is just some of the abilities she has which can be further improved and or develop in a playful manner through playing chess. Important to note we did not teach her the game. She was taught at home and we will do our level best to teach her the best chess as TWCA are accustomed to. 

With this we welcome Oyo Hinda to join TWCA and enjoy her journey as a chess player.

Chess for fun, chess to win!!