11-yearold Durban chess star shines

AN 11-year-old chess prodigy from Durban city centre and his family are celebrating after he won a major national tournament.

Jorah Soojay, who is already a chess professional, bagged the 2019 South African Schools Individual Chess Championships in the Under 13 Open Division with a tally of six out of seven games last month. He said the victory felt “really awesome” and credits his parents with his success.

Although Jorah is currently ranked first nationally in the Under 12 division, in April he won the Under 14 division at the South African Police Services (SAPS) tournament, which included child competitors for the first time.

Just a week later he won the ethekwini Under 12 youth trials, which made him eligible to represent Kwazulu-natal at the South African Junior Chess Championships. His passion for this ancient game of strategy also garnered him first place at least five more times this year, in tournaments where he also defeated competitors much older than himself.

“I love to play chess, because I love to win the trophies, the medals and the prize money. It also helps me to focus and concentrate as

I have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)” he said.

His mom, Joanne Soojay, said she was extremely proud and blessed to have such a talented child and added that her younger son Josiah, 4, had also started playing chess.