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MBABANE – The Eswatini Chess Federation (ECF) will host the 2021 Eswatini National Junior Chess Championship (ENJCC) next month.

This was revealed by ECF Tournament Director William Siame, after the championships were postponed last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“ECF is pleased to announce the 2021 championship, which will take place on February 26, 2022 at a venue yet to confirmed,” Siame said.

He said the ENJCC was one of the prestigious tournaments in the country and it was for this reason that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) had gone to grassroots level to unearth young talent.

“This tournament will help the FIDE attain some of the goals set for this year, such as promoting chess at grassroots level, introducing the girl child to the sport and supporting chess at the top level by providing the professional environment for a country’s top tournaments,’’ he said.

Selected

He also said that in addition to the prize money, the top 10 players from both the Under-14s and Under-10s would be selected to represent Eswatini in the Africa Youth Chess Championship next year. Siame said the championship would be played using the Swiss format and would be played one day in six rounds, with time controls of 25+0.

“Interested players will have to part with E100, which includes the subscription plus entry fee,” he said.

He further said the deadline for registration was set for February 19, 2022 and the registration link to the tournament would be shared in due course.

Those interested should contact Siema for more information on 7617 6916 or 7918 1596.

“Parents are advised to make their payments to the federation’s MoMo account at 7677 0016,” he said.

THOSE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE:

Age groups – Siame said according to the regulations of the championship, the following age groups were invited:

● Under-10s – Chess players born on or after January 1, 2012.

● Under14s – Chess players born on or after January 1 2008.

PRIZES BREAK DOWN

● Trophy, gold medal plus E500 worth of training kit

● Silver medal plus E300 worth of training kit

● Bronze medal plus E200 worth of training kit.