Dear Chess Enthusiasts,

We are thrilled to announce the successful commencement of the WP Club League 2023! Day 1, which took place on 29th July 2023, was an extraordinary display of chess brilliance, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, club members, and the dedicated organizing committee for making this event a grand success.

A total of 58 teams from 25 clubs across the metro will be participating in the league, showcasing their strategic prowess and love for the game. It is with immense pride that we announce a staggering number of 570 players who stepped forward to participate in this thrilling competition.

What sets this event apart is the impressive participation of34 titled players, who added an extra layer of excitement and competitiveness to the tournament. Their presence and skills were an inspiration to all, creating an environment of learning and growth for fellow players.

Here’s a rundown of the teams that battled it out in each division:

Division A:

1. Manyanani
2. Blackjacks
3. Steinitz
4. Cape Town
5. Stellenbosch-Maties
6. Kraaifontein
7. Bellville
8. Grassy Park Chess Academy
9. MRL
10. Elsies River
11. University of Cape Town
12. University of Western Cape

Division B:

1. Manyanani B
2. Steinitz B
3. Mitchells Plain A
4. Cape Peninsula University
5. Crossroads A
6. University of Cape Town B
7. Capablanca A
8. African Chess Lounge A
9. Drakenstein Dragons
10. Stellenbosch-Maties B
11. Grassy Park Chess Academy B
12. Blackjacks B

Division C:

1. Observatory
2. Drakenstein Pioneers
3. Kraaifontein B
4. Elsies River B
5. Crossroads B
6. Steinitz C
7. Zutari
8. 2 Knights A
9. Stellenbosch-Maties C
10. University of the Western Cape B
11. Delft

Division D1:

1. Fish Hoek A
2. Kraaifontein C
3. Steinitz D
4. Bellville B
5. Cape Town B
6. 2 Knights B
7. Cape Peninsula University B
8. Mitchells Plain B
9. Invictus
10. Blackjacks C
11. Crossroads C
12. African Chess Lounge B

Division D2:

1. Stellenbosch-Maties D
2. Manyanani C
3. Bellville C
4. Steinitz E
5. Crossroads D
6. Cape Peninsula University C
7. Crossroads E
8. Fish Hoek B
9. Crossroads F
10. 2Knights C
11. Mitchells Plain C

The league’s opening day was held at the prestigious Groote Schuur High School, providing the perfect backdrop for these enthralling matches.

We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to the tireless efforts of the organizing committee, who left no stone unturned in ensuring a seamless event. Our heartfelt thanks to:

• Mark Lewis: Tournament Director
• Burton van Staaden: Assistant Tournament Director
• Andrew Talmarkes: Chief Arbiter
• Llewellin Louw: Electrical Support
• Amina Ebrahim: Clock Administrator
• Olga Maruma: Logistics Officer

Your dedication and commitment were instrumental in making this day a resounding success.

As promised, we are excited to share some pictures capturing the essence of the event. You can download and share these pictures with your fellow chess enthusiasts, reliving the thrilling moments of Day 1.

Day 1 CWP Moments

We encourage you to continue supporting your teams and embracing the spirit of chess throughout the league. The WP Club League 2023 promises to be a journey filled with strategic brilliance, friendly rivalries, and unforgettable experiences.

Stay tuned for updates as we progress through the subsequent rounds. Together, let’s celebrate the joy of chess and foster a strong chess community in our metro.

Once again, thank you for your participation, and we look forward to sharing more exciting moments with you as the WP Club League 2023 unfolds.

Warm regards,

Chess Western Province