Herewith the Executive Board of Chess South Africa would like to invite all chess players to participate in a 2 phase qualifying event in order to select deserving players to represent the Republic in the Online Olympiad 2021 scheduled for 13 August 2021 to 15 September 2021.

The qualifying event will be conducted as follows:

1. PHASE 1: OPEN EVENT (ELIMINATION PHASE) – All players are invited to participate

Day 1: 31 July 2021 
Platform: LiChess
Time: 12h00 – 15h00
Number of rounds: 5

Day 2: 01 August 2021
Platform: LiChess
Time: 14h00 – 16h00
Number of rounds: 4

2. PHASE 2: CLOSED EVENT (SELECTION PHASE)

The Top 20 FIDE South African players (based on their FIDE rating) have automatically qualified for this phase. Players qualifying from Phase 1 will be competing against the Top 20 South African players in Phase 2.

Day 1: 06 August 2021 
Platform: LiChess
Time: 18h00 – 20h00
Number of rounds: 3

Day 2: 07 August 2021 
Platform: LiChess
Time: 12h00 – 18h00
Number of rounds: 6

The final South African team for the Online Olympiad 2021 will be selected from Phase 2.
You are, therefore, requested to urgently share the above-indicated invitation with all chess players in your area of jurisdiction.  

Any enquiries with regards to the above should be forwarded to IM Watu Kobese (watu.kobese@gmail.com; 072 712 6660), the Head Coach of Chess South Africa.

Please also find attached the published Regulations for the Online Olympiad 2021 for your information and records.

Kind Regards

Ms. Liezel Ahjum (Prof. GISc Prac 1262/SA)
General Secretary
Executive Board of Chess South Africa
Cell: +27823088089