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The Acheampong siblings, Dave and Jeddy, emerged victorious at the 2024 African Individual Schools Chess Championship held in Accra, Ghana.
Their outstanding achievements not only garnered them gold medals in their respective divisions, but also demonstrated their potential as chess prodigies. Dave Acheampong, playing in the Under-13 category, showed outstanding skill by scoring an astounding 8.5 points to win the gold medal.
Meanwhile, his younger brother Jeddy followed suit, clinching gold in the Under-11 category.
The championship was a nine-round Swiss tournament that brought together players from six African countries. Jedidiah Acheampong, the younger of the two, showcased remarkable strategy and composure to clinch the Under-11 title, earning the conditional Candidate Master (CM) title—a significant milestone for his age. Dave, meanwhile, delivered a masterful performance in the Under-13 category, securing his third consecutive gold medal in this continental event.
His victory earned him the conditional title of FIDE Master (FM), solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young chess talents. This achievement adds to their growing list of accolades, as the siblings previously garnered gold and silver at the same championship in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2021, establishing themselves as formidable competitors in the chess community. The preparation leading up to the tournament was rigorous, as the siblings shared insights into their training regimen.
In an interview with the African Chess Confederation media team, they revealed that their daily routine was meticulously structured to balance academic responsibilities with chess development.
“Our AISCC 2024 preparations were integrated into our daily routine, striking a balance between academic responsibilities and chess development. We engaged in focused practice sessions after school, addressed tasks assigned by our coach, and participated in online games,” the Acheampong siblings mentioned. After clinching his third continental gold medal, Dave expressed his joy over the victory, as he emphasized the importance of diligence and persistence in achieving one’s goals.
His desire to inspire the next generation of chess players reflects a broader commitment to promoting the sport within Ghana and beyond, as he aims to continue refining his skills and sharing his knowledge with others. “I am overjoyed to have won my third continental gold medal. And I am satisfied that my diligence, persistence, and passion have generated the desired results. This victory has motivated me to continue refining my game and inspire the next generation of players,” said Dave.
Despite their success, the Acheampong family faces challenges in securing sponsorship and funding to support their chess journey. As the siblings prepare for the upcoming World Championship in Serbia, their focus remains on representing Ghana proudly on the global stage, determined to overcome obstacles and continue their ascent in the world of chess.
Source: GNA
