THREE students from Westport Public School have tasted success at the recent Sydney Academy of Chess NSW Girls Chess Challenge
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Emily Sharp, Grace-Anne Pegler and Chloe Day came second in the state during the challenge in Sydney on Thursday, August 25.
The girls outshine a host of highly fancied and skilled opponents from a raft of Sydney’s most exclusive public and private schools.
Grace was the stand out, winning all five of her matches.
The previously unheralded, and largely unknown, trio finished the competition winning a combined 11 boards from the 15 played, to be a meagre half point behind the eventual winners.
This result is amazing given the three players only started playing tournament chess and representing the school this year.
Coach Craig Ainsworth was very proud of his young chess stars.
“The interesting thing is that the girls aren’t only playing a board game,” he said.
“It’s very much about problem solving and forward planning.
“The girls are very aware of what it takes to solve problems, and be active problem solvers which they have learnt since taking on this game.”
Mr Ainsworth explained the key to chess was controlling the middle of the board.
“For a 5000-year-old board game, the key has always been to control the middle four squares which are considered the high ground,” he said.
“The girls have all done a wonderful job. Their result is a huge achievement for them and for the school.”
Another team of five students from Westport Public School will head to the city for the Sydney Academy of Chess NSW Final on September 15 and 16.