Curro Westbrook learner places 11th nationally in chess
04 February 2026National competition provided a demanding test for young chess players in December, and Colton Viljoen emerged with a strong result after finishing 11th in South Africa in the Under-10 age group at the Mzansi Inter-Provincial Youth Chess Championship.
The Curro Westbrook learner competed at the tournament held from 15 to 20 December 2025 at the Sun Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha. The event brought together selected provincial representatives from across the country to contest both team and individual sections over six rounds of play.
Consistent results across formats
Colton took part in both the team and individual competitions. In the team section, he scored 4 points out of 6, contributing steadily across matches as his provincial side faced other regions. In the individual championship, he recorded 4½ points from 6 games, a performance that placed him among the leading players nationally in his age group.
The school said: ‘We are incredibly proud of Colton, who participated in the Mzansi Chess Tournament in December in Port Elizabeth and achieved an impressive 11th place in the country in his age category.’
Provincial recognition earned
His performances at the championship also led to Eastern Province colours, awarded to players selected to officially represent their province at national level. This recognition followed consistent results across both sections of the tournament.
Next national challenge ahead
Colton’s December results have carried him into another major opportunity. He has been selected to compete in the South African Junior Closed Chess Championships, scheduled for the March school holidays in Randburg. The event typically features the strongest junior players in the country and marks the next step in his competitive season.