Curro Westbrook chess pair claim inter-regional title
01 June 2026Team strategy and steady results across the boards carried Nelson Mandela Bay to the top in Jeffreys Bay. Among the U12 side were Curro Westbrook learners Colton Viljoen and Levi Abrahams, who contributed to a first-place finish in the Senior Pawns division at the Spartans Inter-Regional Championship.
A team result built across the boards
The tournament brought together regional teams from across South Africa, with players selected to represent their areas in a structured team format.
Colton and Levi competed as part of a 10-player Nelson Mandela Bay squad, facing strong opposition over multiple rounds. Success in this format depends on consistent results across all boards, with each game contributing to the final standings.
The school noted that the team ‘rose to the challenge and achieved an outstanding result by securing 1st place in their age group, the Senior Pawns category and putting Nelson Mandela Bay on top’.
More than individual performance
Team chess introduces a different dynamic, where strategy, composure and adaptability play a role alongside individual skill. Players face unfamiliar opponents and must manage time pressure while contributing to the team’s overall result.
The school highlighted this collective effort, describing ‘teamwork, strategy, determination, and excellent sportsmanship’ as key factors in the outcome.
A step in the national pathway
Events like the Spartans Inter-Regional Championship form part of a broader development structure in South African junior chess, linking school and regional play with higher levels of competition.
Participation at this level provides exposure to stronger opposition and varied playing styles, helping young players refine decision-making and build experience beyond local tournaments.
Reflecting on the achievement, the school added: ‘We are incredibly proud of both learners for their dedication, commitment, and the way they represented Nelson Mandela Bay and their school throughout the tournament.’