Private School News

Spelthorne Junior Chess Championships 2010

The second Spelthorne Junior Chess Championships took place at Staines Prep on Saturday 13 March. The competition, which was open to all children living or attending school in Spelthorne, is part of an initiative led by Mike Basman (organiser of the British Land UK Chess Challenge) and local organiser Dr Noel Stewart.

The tournament comprises three age categories, U9 (9 year olds), U11 (11 year olds) and U14 (14 year olds). It puts contenders through five rounds to find a champion in each group.

The Spelthorne event attracted entrants from eight different schools. Alex Leeks of Staines Prep won the U9 competition with straight victories. Sam Hase, also of Staines Prep, was runner-up in the group.

Sam Freeth (Halliford School) won all his U14 games, with Lyndon Kindred-Robinson (Hampton School) finishing second in this category.

The U11 competition was the most fiercely contested. After many close matches, the fifth round proved to be the decider. Ritansh Kathuria (Kingston Grammar School Preparatory Form) clinched victory, with Angelo Umashangar as runner up

All competitors received a Certificate of Participation. Those who won at least three of their games were also awarded a rosette. The winners were presented with their trophies by Councillor Malcolm Royer, who was pleased to see chess being played so enthusiastically in the borough.

Photo(L-R): Alex Leeks(9 yrs), Malcolm Royer(Councillor), Samuel Freeth(12 years) – former pupil, Ritansh Kathuria(11 years) – former pupil, Dr Noel Stewart(local organiser)