OrganiSers of the annual junior chess championship, held at Hilltop Hotel in Kigali over the weekend, say the country’s young chess players proved they have what it takes to shine in the board game.

According to Ben Tom Zimurinda, the president of Vision Chess Club (VCC), one of the clubs that had its kids playing in the tournament, said the youngsters proved "beyond doubt” that with good coaching they can develop fast.

"The kids showed a much better game than last year. Their remarkable skills show that Rwanda has exceptional chess talent. If we give them proper coaching, we have big future stars,” said Zimurinda.

The same tournament last year was limited to players under 18 years of age, but the latest edition had 20 years as age limit and players registered for the U-20, U-17, U-14 and U-10 categories.

The first two in each category received trophies while number three took home a medal. Unlike last year’s 36, there were 51 participants in this year’s tournament.

Winners: U-20

1. Calvin Thozamile (5 points)2. Vanessa Muhawenima (3)3. Paula Annette Jabiro (3)Winners: U-171. Ronjin Munyurangabo (5)2. Sandrine Uwase (5)3. Ben Patrick Cyubahiro (4.5)Under -141. Guy Mucyo Iradukunda (6)2. Kevin Uwacunguwe (4.5)3. Rusa Gontra Igor (4)Under -101. Bertin Bikorimana (5)2. Amanda Ngwinondebe (4)3. Jordan Nyemina (4)