Abiater, Heita claim junior national qualifiers

Chess
The top eight Namibian players qualified to compete at the National Junior Closed Championships to be held from 25 to 29 March.
Mariud Ngula
  • 4 Hours Ago

Rebekka Abiater and Junior Heita were crowned champions of the U20 category at the recently concluded National Junior Chess Championship qualifiers, held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek last weekend.

According to organisers, the tournament attracted more than 400 players, who competed over a seven-round Swiss-system format for trophies, medals and prize money across the U8 to U20 age categories.

The event was open to all players, with the top eight Namibian finishers in each section qualifying for the National Junior Closed Championships, scheduled for 25 to 29 March, where the country’s junior champions will be crowned.

Abiater sole U20 entrant

Abiater was the only competitor in the U20 girls’ section, while the U18 girls’ category attracted just five entries. As a result, both sections were merged with the U16 girls’ category and played under a round-robin format.

This was done in accordance with tournament regulations, which stipulate that sections with seven players or fewer may be adjusted to a round-robin format.

Reflecting on her success, Abiater described the achievement as a dream come true.

“All the hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off,” she said.

She identified her most challenging game as the seventh round, where she faced U18 girls’ eventual silver medallist Jamie-Nicole Beukes.

“It was a real nail-biter. Jamie is a great player and it was a close battle right until the end. I’m grateful to have come out on top,” Abiater said.

In preparation for the qualifiers, Abiater invested countless hours at the board, focusing on strategy, fitness and mental resilience.

“I studied my opponents’ games and prepared accordingly to make sure I was ready for every round,” she said.

Looking ahead to the national championships, Abiater plans to improve her defensive play, an area she has identified for growth. She said she will work closely with her coach, Medusal Shimanya, to strengthen this aspect of her game.

Heita perfect in U20 Open

Competing in the U20 Open section, Heita delivered a flawless performance, winning all his games to claim the title, gold medal and prize money.

Tala-Oshili Mapumba secured the silver medal, while Basil Otsub finished third to take bronze.

Heita said winning the qualifiers was especially meaningful to him.

“It is a testament to my hard work, training, discipline and sacrifice. Winning the trophy and prizes is a great honour, and I am grateful to the Lord Almighty for guiding me this far,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to those who have supported him throughout his chess journey.

Heita recalled his toughest encounter as his fourth-round match against eventual silver medallist Mapumba.

“The game was very intense and required a lot of focus. He played strongly and was a pawn up in the middlegame, which put me under pressure,” he said.

However, Heita remained composed and eventually found a tactic that allowed him to win his opponent’s queen and secure victory.

The U20 Open champion said his preparation includes extensive training on Lichess, studying openings and endgames, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Tournament director Israel Shilongo said the junior qualifiers remain the biggest event on the local chess calendar, as reflected by the strong turnout.

“We witnessed outstanding performances from players who won all seven of their games, including Heita, Christiaan Cronje (U14), James Diën (U12), Haddasah !Nowases (U10), reigning African Schools champion Frederick Cronje (U10) and Penny Shilongo (U8),” said Shilongo.

Other outstanding players:

U18 girls: 1 Linekela Itembu, 2 Jamie Nicole Beukes, 3 Caylee Van Wyk.
U18 Open: 1 Taco Urib, 2 Sibusiso Angula, 3 Josua Louw.
U16 girls: 1 Amelia Brown, 2 Venasias Shimanya, 3 Ndapandula Nangolo.
U16 Open: 1 Dawid du Toit, 2 Fidel Shekupe, 3 Pinehas Mweya.
U14 girls: 1 Helen Boshoff, 2 Francis Boshoff, 3 Alicia Muronga.
U14 Open: 1 Christiaan Cronje, 2 Virtuous Fufuna, 3 Fidel Boois.
U12 girls: 1 Shadah Uanguta, 2 Tanatswanashe Katsvara, 3 Wellemina Shimanya.
U12 Open: 1 James Diën, 2 Francois Binneman, 3 Zandell Katokele.
U10 girls: 1 Haddasah !Nowases, 2 Iyaloo Hamutumwa, 3 Unathi Mutrifa.
U10 Open: 1 Frederick Cronje, 2 Jose Muronga, 3 McDonald Shimanya.
U8 girls: 1 Penny Shilongo, 2 Sage Shiweva, 3 Eimi Endjala.
U8 Open: 1 Adam Wahengo, 2 Jethro !Nowaseb, 3 Uongevandu Kaunatjike.
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