I.A.P.S. National Chess Championships 2008

Over the Easter holidays the 36th I.A.P.S. National Chess Championships were held at Aldro School and players from all over the country took part.

The competition was contested by children from 16 different schools with 52 strong players in the Championship section and another 50 or so players in the lower sections. The chess proved to be most enjoyable and all four sections were closely contested.

In addition to the chess we all had a great trip to Chessington World of Adventure and the boarding players had great fun on Monday evening with various competitions including table football, pool and table tennis. On Tuesday evening the five-aside football was won for the second year running by Ridgeway School from Maidenhead.

The final afternoon was devoted to the simultaneous displays where the players played against the adults. Andrew Martin and Alan Norris played the Championship players. Prizes were awarded to the best player in each of the simultaneous displays.

Results

I.A.P.S. National Champions
George Galliano from Millfield School in Somerset and Nicholas Clanchy from Dulwich College Prep School in London.
Both players were outstanding over the three days winning 6 games and drawing against each other.

Girls Champion Gabby Connabeer from Arnold Lodge in Leamington Spa.
Gabby has now won this competition twice and she scored 5.5 points in the Championship.

U.11 Cup Michael Blakey (Reigate St Mary’s), Harvey Kandohla (Twickenham Prep), Edmond Lote (Ridgeway), and Daniel Sutton (Gt.Walstead) 5 points each.

Section Winners
A Jamie Cotta (Aldro) 6\6
A. Elliott Boyes (Wellesley House) and Charlie Kidd (Aldro) 6\8
B. Emily Rose (Arnold Lodge) 8\8

Group Winners
1. Daniel Innes (Lanesborough) 6\6
2. George Rix (Aldro) 6\6
3. James Smith (Aldro) 6\6
4. Stephen Ellis (Ridgeway) and Gwilym Price(Aldro) 5\6

Hodgson U.13 team Cup. 1st Dulwich College Prep (I.A.P.S. National Champions)
2nd= Aldro
2nd= Twickenham Prep

David Bull U.11 team Cup. 1st Twickenham Prep (I.A.P.S. National Champions)
2nd Dulwich College Prep.
3rd Aldro.

Girls team competition (Gordon Hemmings Cup)
1st Arnold Lodge (I.A.P.S. National Champions)
2nd Wellesley House
3rd St.Teresa’s

Congratulations to all the competitors who made it a most enjoyable three days for staff and players and many thanks to Mr. Andrew Martin (International Master) for presenting the prizes.

The Championships will be held at Aldro next year and any schools affiliated to I.A.P.S. will be welcome. Players need to be County standard to compete in the Championship and there will be several sections for less experienced players. Please contact me at Aldro School if you have any questions. ( )

D.J.Archer I.A.P.S. Chess Co-ordinator