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General view of a chessboard.
Seven-year-old identical twins, Deauwin and Beauwin Rens from George, Western Cape, have represented South Africa at the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championships in Greece.
The twins have been playing chess since they were two years old and are already able to beat their chess instructor, dad, Bradwin.
After qualifying for the championships last year, the family went to work trying to raise enough funds for the trip. The twins’ mother, Sharlene Rens, says their largest sponsor came on board just in time.
“I was still in tears because they told us the deadline was cut off. I had so much faith that we were going; I was in tears because we worked so hard. On the other hand, I said, maybe it’s God’s will. That same day, our sponsor phoned a few hours later. I was in tears again.”
The twins were very excited about the trip.
“I’m so excited. I never played against big children. I only played against big children one or two times. I brought my pencil case with me, just in case I get bored. So when we have nothing to do, we can do colouring and arts.”
WATCH: Western Cape | Chess masters in the making
