Keith Rust (on the right), being congratulated by Peter Dankelmann
on his 16th KZN Closed title at the 2009 Natal Open

Keith Rust first played in the Durban championship in 1976, but was unable to win the event until his fifth attempt in 1981. Thereafter he won the event on a regular basis. As at 2011 Keith had won the Durban title on a record 23 occasions.

Keith's first significant success was winning the 1977 Natal Open ahead of a strong field, including then SA Champion David Walker, whom he defeated in their individual game. Keith has now won the Kwa-Zulu Natal Closed title on 16 occasions from 1977 to 2011.

Keith was only able to play on one occasion in the South African championships. That event, held in Pretoria in bitterly cold conditions in July 1987, saw a close fight between Argentinian grandmaster Miguel Quinteros and many times South African champion Charles de Villiers, who mowed down the rest of the field. Keith tied for 6th place, and you can see the tournament cross-table here.

More details to follow.

More details to follow.