Pupils show they have right moves

CHECK MATES: The air was filled with intense concentration at the contest.

More than 100 young chess players from throughout the region gave their all for the crown at the annual Carterton School Chess Tournament.

Co-organisers Minty Hunter and Ronny Tankersley said the annual contest, which was held on Friday, involved pupils from Greytown School, Opaki School, Carterton School, Dalefield School, Martinborough School, Mauriceville School, South End School and Hadlow School.

Mr Hunter said hundreds of games were completed over the course of the contest, which for the first time was held in the wake, and not ahead, of the Chess Power Interschools National finals in Auckland in August.

Winners of the Carterton School contest have in the past qualified for the nationals, although a team from South End School qualified to play in Auckland earlier this year.

Mr Hunter said South End School won the Years 7 and 8 intermediate section on Friday and first-time entrants Mauriceville School won the Years 5 and 6 primary section.

Hadlow School took second and third place in the intermediate section and second place in the primary section, while South End School also took third place in the primary section.

Mr Hunter said primary section player Alex Robertson and intermediate section player Samson Dell had distinguished themselves by winning all six of their tournament games.

"The day was fantastic and it was great to see all the chess players doing so well in the area."

Mrs Tankersley agreed the contest had been successful and, despite not being a player herself, had started working as a contest organiser about four years ago and was happy to be involved.

"It's always quite heart-warming to see all the kids playing chess," she said.