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Posted on July 13th 2023
School Chess Tournament: Victory for Victor
On 13th July, HBAED held their second chess competition of the year, the HBAED Summer Cup, with 29 students signing up for the challenge.
The competition was organised into two gruelling stages: first a round robin, then an intense knock-out series. In the round robin stage, the students were divided into four groups. Every player had to play one game against every other player in their group. The top two players from each group advanced to the champions knock-out stage. There was also a shield and plate competition.
In the knock-out stage, the eight remaining players faced each other in an elimination bracket. The winners of each game moved on to the next round. Both semi-finals were dramatic: after going the full time, and with neither player winning on material, only the luck of a 50/50 coin toss allowed Victor and Elwood to progress. After bad luck this time for Sayed and Luca, may the chess gods favour you next time!
Victor and Elwood in the final.
The final itself game was tense and exciting, with both players showing great skill and strategy. A rapt audience watched on the big assembly screen. After a long and hard-fought battle, Victor (pictured right) emerged out of the middle-game a piece up and 
skilfully pushed his advantage home, claiming the title of the school chess champion. Elwood was a gracious runner-up, congratulating Victor on his achievement.
Also well done to Stephen in Year 7 who won the Shield for 3rd and 4th place group place finishers, and to Alf in Year 7 for winning the Plate for 5th and 6th group place finishers.
The whole competition was played in great spirit, with students wishing each other ‘GGs’ and congratulating winners and commiserating with those who had been knocked out. All students who entered have been given new chess badges to reward their excellent spirit and determination. They will be wearing these with pride as they represent their resilience and ambition.
We are very proud of all the students who participated in the competition, and we hope they enjoyed the experience of playing chess with their peers. We would also like to thank the teachers who came to see the event and enjoy the focused atmosphere. Chess is a wonderful game that can improve one's logical thinking, creativity, and concentration. We encourage all students to give it a try and have fun!
Mr Pugh
MJ showing off his new chess badge!
Celebrations after the event!
