The 2026 Hermanus Chess Club Open, one of the Western Cape’s premier rapid-chess tournaments, had a record 182 participants competing for R51 400.
The 17-year-old International Master Jan Karsten claimed the Championship section title in dramatic fashion, after winning the 2026 South African Closed Chess Championships in Sandton.
The Open proved exceptionally competitive, with three players tying on six points. Karsten edging former Hermanus Open champions Charlton Mnyasta (2023) and Matfey Rogov (2025) out using the Buchholz Cut-1 tie-break system, which ranks on opponents’ overall performance.
The tournament enjoys generous sponsor support. Long-standing gold sponsor STBB has backed the event since 2023. Two new gold sponsors are Suzuki Hermanus and Proferizon IT. “Their support has been crucial in helping us stage another successful tournament…,” organisers noted. It featured six sections catering for all skill levels: Championship, Advanced, Intermediate, u-14, u-12, and u-10, ensuring broad participation across age groups and rating levels.
Results: IM Jan Daniel Karsten; NM Charlton Mnyasta; FM Matfey Rogov; Timofey Rogov and CM Reegan Palmer. Special awards went to WRM Jacqui Grobbelaar (Best Female) and Robert Chitongo (Best Senior).
The Friday evening blitz tournament on 17 April saw CM Kenneth Willenberg claim victory, followed by CM Reegan Palmer and Sphamandla Thalente Siwela.
Kaylee Budram earned Best Female honors, while Charel Barnard and Ewan Kromhout took Best Junior and Best Senior respectively.
Since its inception in 2023, the Hermanus Chess Club Open has rapidly established itself as a highlight on the local chess calendar, successfully combining elite competition with grassroots participation.
For more info contact Hermanus Chess Club chairman Martin Brink on 076 593 0010.
