We have now reached round three and we have acclimatised to Durres. We are also starting to walk around and get to know the place a bit as well. Shabier, Andre and I have started to visit some places. We went to the Venetian Tower.
The Venetian Tower is a notable attraction in the city-port, forming part of the Castle of Durres, one of the most potent fortresses in the Middle-Ages along the Western Coast of the Adriatic Sea. Although it is just one element of the fortification, the tower, which was built in the 15th century, has become a significant monument in Durres. It is located near the coast along the wall that leads to the old acropolis and King Zog’s villa making it a prominent site to see.
When Chess South Africa selected the team in December 2025, we had to move quickly because the closing date was 19 February 2026. We then found flights at R14 000 return which we immediately snapped up. I was then appointed as manager and with the assistance of all the other members we quickly jumped into gear.
An interesting aspect was the e-visa process. This was quite a process as we needed to upload several documents that was required. We all followed through and after paying 25 euros we were issued our visa.
We have arrived safely in Durres, Albania to participate on behalf of South Africa in the World Senior Team Championship. We left SA on Friday and arrived in Albania on Saturday late morning. The team is in board order Dr CM Lyndon Bouah (captain), Dr FM Shabier Bhawoodien, CM Anton Goosen and Andre Schutte.
Chess South Africa notes the Judgement delivered by the Western Cape High Court on 26 March 2026 in Case No. 2026-051994, concerning the eligibility of permanent residents to be eligible for the award of Federation Colours at the South African Junior Closed Chess Championship (SAJCCC).
We are excited to inform you that Chess South Africa is in the process of forming new Commissions and Committees, as outlined in our constitution. This initiative aims to enhance the management and promotion of chess across various disciplines in our country. We also request experience members in chess to be nominated to add value and grow this organisation.
The 2026 South African Closed Chess Championships came to an exciting conclusion after eleven hard-fought rounds held from 21 February to 1 March 2026 at the headquarters of Alexforbes in Sandton. Organized by Chess South Africa, the prestigious round-robin event once again brought together the country’s strongest players to compete for national titles and international rating points.
The tournament was directed by Vicky Magu, with IA Michael Bornheim serving as Chief Arbiter, assisted by Deputy Chief Arbiter FAAnjurie De Wet and FA Karen Taljaard. Players competed under a classical time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes to finish, with a 30-second increment from move one.
The event featured an impressive average rating of 2211 and an average player age of just 24, reflecting both strength and the growing youth presence in South African chess.
Open Section — Karsten Claims the Title
International Master Jan Karsten emerged as the 2026 South African Closed Champion, scoring a dominant 8/11. Karsten showed remarkable consistency throughout the event, finishing clear first after a strong final stretch.
Second place went to IM Caleb Levi Levitan with 7.5 points, while FM Banele Mhango secured third on 6.5 points after tiebreaks.
Final Top 5 — Open Section
IM Jan Karsten — 8.0
IM Caleb Levi Levitan — 7.5
FM Banele Mhango — 6.5
Charlton Mnyasta — 6.5
James Dinham — 6.5
Notably, the event was extremely competitive, with five players finishing on 6.5 points and tiebreaks determining podium positions.
Women’s Section — Laubscher Wins on Tiebreak
The Women’s Championship delivered an especially dramatic finish, with the top two players tied on 8/11.
WIM Anzel Laubscher claimed the national title on superior tiebreaks ahead of WFM Chloe Badenhorst, while WCM Hayley Nel took third place with 7.5 points.
Final Top 5 — Women’s Section
WIM Anzel Laubscher — 8.0
WFM Chloe Badenhorst — 8.0
WCM Hayley Nel — 7.5
Robyn Julian Klaasen — 7.5
Sizakele Masango — 6.0
The close finish highlighted the rising strength and depth in South African women’s chess.
Follow the Games
Fans nationwide were able to follow the action live via broadcast boards on Lichess, bringing South Africa’s premier chess event to an international audience.
The 2026 edition of the South African Closed Championships showcased a compelling blend of established masters and emerging talent. With strong performances across both sections and a closely contested women’s title race, the tournament once again affirmed its role as the pinnacle of national classical chess competition.
Today, Chess South Africa hosted its Elective AGM at Alexforbes, Sandton.
We were honoured to welcome Mr Barry Hendricks, President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), who attended this important milestone event.
Chess SA is proud to announce the newly elected Executive Board:
From left to right:
• Shaun Levitan — Vice President
• Chené Jeffries — General Secretary
• Andre Lewaks — President
• Jeanette Mabitsela — Provincial Representative
• Liezel Bothma — Treasurer
• Lindokuhle Ngubane — Vice President
Absent:
• Janine Fourie — Provincial Representative
Congratulations to the incoming leadership team on your election. We wish you every success as you serve South African chess and help drive the federation forward.
