South Africa dominate 2019 AYCC
South Africa was the top nation in the just concluded 2019 African Youth Chess Championship.
The event ran from 14th to 22nd December 2019 in Windhoek, Namibia. A total of 16 countries took part with just over 250 participants.
Countries included Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Madagascar. Other countries were Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and host Namibia.
South Africa won three gold, three silver and three bronze medals. Egypt took home three gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Algeria was third with two gold and two silver medals.
Kenya came away empty-handed in this year’s event. This year’s edition was undoubtedly much more robust due to the presence of a large contingent of players from South Africa. In the 2018 edition, Kenya managed to haul four bronze medals.
FM Dante Beukes
The star of this event was 16 years old FM Dante Beukes of Namibia. He grabbed his nation’s only gold medal in the U18 Open section with 7.5 points out of nine rounds. The jewel in the crown, however, was Dante receiving the prestigious International Master title as well for his feat. He becomes Namibia first IM titled player.
2020 edition
The 2020 African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) will take place in Yaounde, Cameroon. The dates set are from 4th to 12th July 2020.
Links
U10 Girls Standings & Results.
U12 Girls Standings & Results.
U14 Girls Standings & Results.
