Mitchells Plain lad masters the game

Francesca Villette

SETH-RILEY Adams is not just an ordinary 11-year-old boy.

Adams, from Rocklands in Mitchells Plain is a “chess prodigy” who will go head to head with other young chess players at a chess tournament in Gugulethu tomorrow. He is also the present African Youth Chess Champion.

He finished first at the South African Junior Championships last year and finished third at the SA Closed Junior Championships which was also held last year.

Finalists from the closed championships went on to compete at the African Championships in Port Elizabeth, where Adams became one of the country’s youngest candidate masters.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has partnered with the City of Cape Town to host the chess tournament tomorrow. Players aged from six to 18 will compete at the event.

“The game of chess can be stressful,” said Adams yesterday. “You have to think of what your opponents’ next move is going to be. But winning is a great reward, and worth all the time and effort.”

Adams practises at least two hours a day, increasing his practice time closer to the competition.

“I play with my dad, but sometimes I have to practise on my own.

“When I do, I search for games on the computer. That’s how I learn tactics and strategy,” said Adams.

Adams has collected nine trophies and at least 22 medals in the past two years to become a top-rated player in his age group in the country.

His medals and trophies are on display in the lounge of his family home in Rocklands.

Adams said apart from winning the African Youth Championships in his age division, his highlight was getting on the stage with rugby player Cheslyn Colby last year.

Adams and Colby were finalists in the provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports’ junior sportsman of the year award. Colby won the title.

francesca.villette@inl.co.za