THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

2 students, Naython and Isaiah took part in the U10 section of the above tournament. Naython finished 3.5 pts while Isaiah took 2nd place ( 2nd from right in photo) with 6, losing only to Zeke Ng who won. I am very pleased to see Isaiah finally breaking into the 6 pt scoreline, spending his time to find better moves and translating them into winning games. Naython can learn something from this I'm sure.  I've observed many who brought game cards to play while waiting for the next round to start. Isaiah was quietly tucked in a corner reading his opening notes and preparing for the next opponent. The photo above tells you who has spent his time wisely.  My long-awaited sabbatical comes in a week's time and looking forward to preparing materials for my students in the upcoming National Age Group in December, as well as those going for the 1st Johor International Open. 

 RGPS mustered 2 U11 teams and 1 U9 team for the 55th National Inter Schools' Team Championships at Rulang Primary on 31 August Sunday. The Team 1 comprises P5s  Loh Xin Yin, Isabelle Chiang, Emily Hu and Stephanie Tan with Joyce Ng (P4) as Board 5. While Team 2 has Jessica Chan, Deania Duan, Natalie Tan and Shannon Ooi (the only P4) with Cleo Ng on Board 5. Elizabeth Lek, Mak Wy En, Alexis Ang, Lim XuanQi and Iness Kuma made up the U9  The U11 teams fared averagely scoring 11.0 to 11.5 pts against the fancied opponents like Nanyang Primary, Northland Primary. However, they emerged 2nd and 3rd in the South Zone with SCGS taking 1st place. The U9 girls were South Zone Champions ahead of Overseas Family School.  The girls' were generally disciplined and well behaved throughout the competition though they could have fared better with more practice time on their own. In view of that, their performance was satisfactory. Hopefully we can get a new crop of P3s who can be motivated fur