After competing in the South African Junior Closed Chess Championships in Gauteng during the school holidays, Alexander van der Merwe, a pupil from Paul Roos Gymnasium, has reigned in the winning title of the over the board under-18 South African Chess Champion. Alexander was the highest-rated player in the six-day tournament, which was played over 11 rounds and he won the under-18 section with a score of 10,5 out of 11.