Curro Somerset West learner climbs SA national chess rankings
02 February 2026Long days at the chessboard replaced a holiday break for Izaiah Solomon, who tested his game against South Africa’s top youth players at the 2025 SA Chess National Championships in December.
The Curro Somerset West learner competed at the Mzansi Interprovincial Youth Chess Championships, held from 15 to 20 December at the Boardwalk Hotel, Casino and Convention Centre in Gqeberha. More than 2 200 players took part across age groups, from Under 8 through to adult sections, creating a demanding competitive field.
Strong results in team competition
Izaiah represented the Western Cape Boys Under-18 A Team in the Interprovincial Team Championships. Entering the event ranked 116th out of 137 players, he delivered a standout performance on Board 3, scoring 5.5 points out of 6 through five wins and a draw. His results earned him Best Player on Board 3, while the team finished fifth overall, narrowly missing a medal.
Ranking climb in individual section
In the Individual Championships, Izaiah faced an equally challenging field that included current members of the South African Chess Team. He scored 4 points from 6 games after starting the tournament ranked 34th out of 87 players in the Boys Under-18 section. That performance lifted him to 13th place overall by the end of the event.
Focus beyond the tournament
Izaiah reflected on the experience with a clear focus on what lies ahead. ‘Dad, this is only halftime. Job’s not finished,’ he said, quoting the late Kobe Bryant.
His performance in Gqeberha highlighted steady progress under pressure and a growing ability to compete deep into national events, adding another strong chapter to his chess journey at Curro Somerset West.