23-07-2025
Durban prodigy wins SA Open Chess Championship
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Amrienta Gabriels is already a household name in the chess game for having amassed a number of accolades, including her KZN colours, a cabinet full of trophies, medals and certificates, indicating that she is making all the right moves.
Her most recent achievement is claiming first place in the U8 division at the 2025 SA Open Chess Championship at the University of Johannesburg from June 28 to July 5. She achieved this feat on her seventh birthday, July 5, after finishing the tournament with a perfect score of five out of five. 'It felt exciting to win the tournament,' said Amrienta as she told of how she celebrated her big win. 'I went out for supper with my friends, and I had breakfast with my cousin. It was also my birthday.'
The young North Beach resident and Grade One learner at Oceanview Montessori School in Durban North began learning chess with her father, Amro, at home. From there, with the support of her parents, Amrienta developed a love for sport. She entered formal tournaments in mid-2024, where she quickly made her mark — qualifying for Team KZN at the eThekwini Trials and placing in the top three at the Mzansi Interprovincial Youth Chess Championship.
Earlier this year she secured a top five finish at the SA Junior Closed Chess Championship in Cape Town, earning her a spot on the SA team for the Africa Youth Chess Championship in Zimbabwe this December. She said, 'I love playing chess because it's fun and it makes my brain smart. I love it, and losing makes me learn from mistakes and I get better, and then win all my matches and get trophies.'
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Seeing her passion and love for chess, her parents Amro Gabriels and Shienta Maharaj, enlisted the help of coaches Minenhle and Sri Ram. 'I practise every day. I love to play Lichess (chess app) matches and do puzzles, because they help me to get better,' said Amrienta.
Describing Amrienta as a vibrant all-rounder who enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring nature, her proud parents said she also participates in soccer, swimming, and gymnastics. They said, 'We're incredibly proud of the hard work and determination she puts in every day. No matter the result, she always maintains such a positive spirit. It's been amazing to see how chess has helped shape the confident, kind young lady she's becoming. Her sportsmanship truly stands out; she never hesitates to congratulate her opponents and let them know they played well. That humility and grace are what mean the most to us.'
Following her big win at the Open, Amrienta is already strategising her next big move where she is looking to capture the Africa Youth Chess Championship title. The tournament will bring all the great minds from the continent to Zimbabwe in December. 'I'm really excited for this tournament. I get to fly in the aeroplane, and see the clouds. I also like to stay in the hotel, and I like playing against other chess kids and making new friends. I would also like to win a trophy or get a medal,' said Amrienta.
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