The joint winners, Daniel Cawdery and Pratish Ramsurrup, would have met in round 9, so our photographer couldn't get that picture ... Pratish is only 17 years old, making him one of the youngest ever KZN champions.

Henry Oliver vs Pratish Ramsurrup (in blue shirt) with Rahul Beekrum and Alfred Pesa in background

Daniel Cawdery on board 2 with Ashish Ramsurrup vs top seed Farai Mandizha on board 1 behind

Daniel was seeded 2nd behind Zimbabwean FM Farai Mandizha. They both started with 5/5 but Daniel won their game in the 6th round to take the sole lead. Two draws on the last day ensured him 1st place.

Pesa (Black) making his move vs Cawdery

Visitor Alfred Pesa from the Free State

General view of the playing venue with Kavil Reddy in the foreground

Ashley Lewis playing Seshni Govindasamy

The biggest upset of the tournament came in round 7 when unrated Malawian player Richard Mbedza beat Farai Mandizha, who has a FIDE rating of 2338. Another seeded player to take a tumble was the author, seen here playing against fellow DCC member Bongani Mgaga.

Richard Mbedza vs Simphiwe Buthelezi

Bongani Mgaga vs Keith Rust

Tied for 10th place with 5½ points each were the top under 20 player, Jing-Woei Chien, and top under 16 player, Sayen Naidu.

Jing-Woei Chien playing John Khan

Sayen Naidu, with Gumani Ramakoela behind

Some more photos from the tournament follow:

Life member Ray Pietersen vs visitor Pieter Nortje from Richards Bay

Alphonse Msomi vs Musa Radebe

Brothers Yetish and Ashish Ramsurrup with Gumani Ramakoela in background

Genevieve Pillay vs Kiara Moodley

Finally, here is a copy of the results.