The GO!&Express caught up with grade 10 pupil Megan Dove from Clarendon Girls High School who competed in the FIDE World Chess Championships in Batumi, Georgia, from June 2-12 in the SA U16 girls’ side. Dove’s mother, Jean, says Megan has loved playing chess since she was in grade 1 and seeing her dedication to the sport is rewarding.
Describe the process/trials you were required to participate in, to be selected for the national team.
As part of the qualification process, I had to play in the Buffalo City team at the 2022 SA Junior Chess Championships (SAJCC), which was held at the Wild Coast Sun in December 2022. The SA Junior Closed Chess Championships (SAJCCC) consisted of three stages, the first being the wild card, which I wasn’t required to play as I had qualified for stage two by being ranked in the top 10 in the grand prix rating section. Stage two was the qualifiers’ section and stage three was the knockout section. I was placed second overall. The top three players were selected to represent SA.
What does being selected to the national team for chess mean to you?
I felt honoured.
What do you love most about chess and why have you remained committed to the game?
I have played chess since I was in grade 1. It brings me closer to people and I really enjoy it. I find it calms me and it’s really fun to play. I enjoy it lots.
What were some advantages in your style of play that you believe may have enabled you to have an advantage over your opponents at FIDE?
I was able to think quickly and make the correct decisions.
What are some other goals you hope to achieve this year?
I hope in the near future to become an arbiter and to obtain a title in chess.
