A learner at Curro Durbanville High School has won gold in her age category in the Western Cape Schools Chess High School Individual Provincial Championship 2026, which took place last weekend in George.
Imkhita Joya represented the Cape Town Metro team at the Western Cape championships and came first in the girls under-15 category.
Another team member, Mila Snyman, also of Curro Durbanville High School, came second in the girls under-15 category. Third was Sophia Hagen, a learner at Paarl Girls’ High School and a member of the Cape Winelands team.
High-level competition
The event brought together top high school players from across the province for two days of high-level competition.
Hosted from 2 to 3 May, the championship featured under-15, under-17 and under-20 divisions for both boys and girls, with players competing in a six-round Swiss format.
The event forms a key part of the Western Cape Schools Chess pathway, identifying and developing the province’s strongest young players, according to a media release by the Western Cape Chess Association.
Cape Town Metro team dominated
The Cape Town Metro team also dominated in the boys under-15 category with Micah Fredericks, who is home-schooled, in first place, Shaurya Singh from Milnerton High School second, and Chase Salimu from Curro Durbanville High School third.
Decision-making under pressure
“From the opening round on Saturday to the final games on Sunday, the tournament delivered high-quality, competitive chess. Players were tested not only on technical ability, but also on focus, resilience and decision-making under pressure.
“Several sections remained competitive until the final round, with strong performances from players such as Shaurya Singh, Chase Salimu, Mila Marie Snyman, Bianca Hagan, and Werne Potgieter, among others,” says Kim Meissenheimer of Western Cape Schools Chess.
Depth of talent
“The championship saw strong representation from regions across the Western Cape, highlighting the depth of talent at school level and the effectiveness of regional structures in preparing players for provincial competition,” she says.
“This event reflects the continued growth of school chess in the province,” organisers noted.
“The level of preparation and competitiveness continues to improve year on year.
“With the High School Individual Championship now complete, attention will turn to the upcoming primary schools events as part of the broader Western Cape Schools Chess calendar,” Meissenheimer says.
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