Celebration of Chess Success
Eversfield’s chess players have been celebrating their recent success in the 2020 Delancey UK Schools Chess Challenge.
During the Lent term 74 children took part in the preliminary Schools Stage of the competition which saw 22 players with the highest score in their age group enjoying success and qualifying to the next round called the Megafinal, where they will play a one day tournament against children from other schools.
Competition is fierce, but Mr James believes Eversfield has a number of skilful players with good ability for the game that have the potential to do well in the next round. Ultimately it is possible to qualify for the Terafinal competing across five age groups for the chance to become the School Chess Champion of the UK with a top prize of £2,000 on offer.
All the children who competed in the Schools Stage of the tournament were recognised with achievement certificates awarded this week in Headmaster’s online assembly. The top players in each group received trophies with medals awarded to the runners up who all qualify for the next round.
The UK Chess Challenge first took place in 1996 and has since grown into the largest children’s chess tournament in the world. Over 50,000 children in the UK compete and the beauty of the event is that it welcomes all-comers from beginners to National Champions and schools from all corners of the United Kingdom take part.
Many congratulations to all the participants!
2020 Delancey UK Schools Chess Challenge: Awards and Player Participants
YEARS 4 to 6
Henry TC 5MS (1st Place)
Suleiman A 5GH (Gold Medal)
Seve B 6AB (Gold Medal)
Malakai E 6AB (Gold Medal)
Noah G 5GH (Gold Medal)
Amrit S 6AB (Gold Medal)
Olivia T 6AB
Sergio B 6PR
Henry C 5MS
Zayan C 6PR
Joseph D 6AB
Rupert D 6AB
Neev H 6AB
Chloe J 6AB
Karan K 5GH
Oliver L 4SS
Daniel P 5MS
Rajan S 4ML
Vivienne S 4SS
YEARS 3 to 4
Viran K 3AH (1st Place)
Flynn A 4ML (Gold Medal)
Yahya E 4ML (Gold Medal)
Will J 4ML (Gold Medal)
Rayaan Q 3AH (Gold Medal)
Luke S 4SS (Gold Medal)
Aisha A 3PF
Krish D 3AH
Mariam D 3PF
Yuqing G 3AH
Lexi H 4SS
Remy M 4SS
Freddie R 3PF
Aidan Z 4ML
YEAR 2
Logan B 2TS (1st Place Group 1)
Roshan A 2HM (1st Place Group 2)
Lincoln B 2TS (Silver Medal Group 1)
Ethan C 2HM (Silver Medal Group 1)
Oliver D 2HM (Silver Medal Group 2)
Luella H 2HM (Silver Medal Group 2)
Tofunmi A 2HM
Nico B 2TS
Malini B 2TS
Sophie B 2HM
Charles B 2HM
Jack C 2TS
Ranbir D 2HM
Leo G 2TS
Beha H 2HM
Asher I 2HM
Sarah I 2TS
Avaida L 2TS
Henry M 2TS
Arabella P 2TS
Daniel P 2TS
Henry S 2HM
Jessica W 2TS
Fa-Fa X 2HM
YEAR 1
Lauren A 1CF (1st Place)
Daniel O 1RB (Bronze Medal)
Gurjot U 1CF (Bronze Medal)
Valentino B 1RB
Bethany B 1RB
Ella D 1RB
Mollie G 1RB
Inaaya H 1RB
Callum L 1CF
Sebastian L 1RB
Pierre LS 1CF
Louis M 1RB
Theodore M 1CF
Lena S 1RB
Roberta TC 1CF
Chess Club at Eversfield
Chess master and coach Russell James helps the children to learn and enjoy playing chess. Each session he teaches the ability to master the game and skilfully outwit their opponents. A typical lesson will include a friendly game, then some instruction or practical training followed by a competitive match.
Commenting on the popularity of Everfield’s lunchtime chess club, Mr James said: “Apart from being fun, chess has a lot of educational benefits. It teaches problem solving skills and also gives the children an opportunity to socialise with each other and widen their friendship groups. I love running the club at Eversfield. I get a lot from seeing the children learn and enjoy the game.”
About Russell James
Mr James is a Chess Master and has been teaching chess full-time for 15 years. He has competed at the British Championships several times, won the Midland Open twice and won the West of England Championships. A number of his students have represented England and won national junior championships but his focus is firmly on making the game both educational and fun for all his students, regardless of their ability.