The 2025 Western Cape Women’s Chess Championship at Club Mykonos has made history with a remarkable surge in participation, uniting players across multiple categories. The event took place on Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August. This year’s edition was the most diverse and competitive yet, attracting seasoned champions and rising stars from across South Africa, and welcoming a strong contingent from Zimbabwe.
With sections in Elite, Advanced, Rapid, and Youth age groups (u-10, u-12 and u-14), the tournament showcased the true depth and breadth of women’s chess development in the region.
In a heartwarming highlight, the championship even welcomed its youngest-ever competitor, a determined 3-year-old, competing in the Rapid section, proving that passion for the game knows no age limit.
The increase in entries reflected the growing appeal of chess not only as a competitive sport but also as a powerful developmental tool, especially for girls, who now have more opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Natasha Opperman, Tournament Director and West Coast Chess Union president, hailed the event as “a milestone in our chess journey,” noting that the mix of international representation and homegrown talent was exactly what was needed to raise the standard of women’s chess in the Western Cape.
Crowning the Champion
After six intense rounds of strategic battles, the championship concluded in spectacular fashion. Jacqui Grobbelaar, women regional master (SA), emerged victorious with an outstanding 5.5/6, opening with four straight wins before a critical half-point draw against Anzel Laubscher, women international master, in Round 5. Grobbelaar’s consistency and sharp play earned her the title and a clear first place.
In second place, Sizakele Masango (SA) finished on 5 points, recovering from a Round 3 loss with three consecutive victories.
Sharing the same score, but placing third on tie break, was Mbalenhle Cindi (SA), who impressed with decisive play in the final rounds.
Rest of Elite Top 10 Final Standings:
• Women regional master: Jacqui Grobbelaar (SA) – 5.5 pts
• Sizakele Masango (SA): 5 pts
• Mbalenhle Cindi (SA ): 5 pts
• Women international master: Anzel Laubscher (SA) – 4.5 pts
• Marilene van den Bergh from Saldanha was named Junior Master with 4 points.
• Women provincial master Imkhita Joya (SA) – 4 pts
• Women Federation master Charne Woolf (SA ) – 4 pts
• Claire Thorpe (SA) – 4 pts
• JM Amy Liu (SA) – 4 pts
• JM Mea van Zyl (Vredendal) – 4 pts
