SA's queen of chess gears up for Spain

Jenine Ellappen in action

Women's chess in South Africa is fast gaining momentum. Jenine Ellappen from the Western Cape was the most successful young South African at the African Junior under-20 Championships in Libya last year. Now she is training for this year's World Chess Olympiad to be held in Spain in October.

Ellappen is a 17-year-old who can outthink and outplay her opponents in record time. She is the continent's speedchess champion, and recently came third overall in the under 20 African chess championships in Libya. “My first one was in 2002. I went with the world juniors in Greece and a couple of months ago into All Africa Games in Nigeria. The more I play international tournaments I play better," she said.

Her family's constant support has been instrumental in Jenine's success. "I' m very proud of her and hopefully she can improve this year because we will focus more on her chess," says Emelia Ellappen, her mother. Jenine is one of four young women who will play at the international Olympiad in Spain later this year.