Curro Durbanville chess player Hannah did well against the World’s best, under 12 girls, chess players. 331 Boys and girls from 40 Federations participated in the FIDE World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championships in Rhodes, Greece. The Opening Ceremony of the event was attended by the Governor of South Aegean region Mr George Hatzimarkos who is a big supporter of chess and came to sit at Hannah’s table to speak to her. It was such an honour and privilege to meet him!

She won 4 of 9 games in the Rapid Championship and came 14^th with a 1285 performance rating. She won 3 out of 9 Blitz games with an 1116 performance rating. She has gained so much experience from participating in this tournament. She can definitely compete against the World’s best. She managed to do some sightseeing – Acropolis in Athens and Medieval Village in Rhodes were some of the highlights. She dipped her toes in the Aegean Sea. The people, culture and food were all a great experience for her. A big thank you to our coach, Edwin November. Without his assistance, this result would not have been possible.

Hannah

Hannah