I was very pleased to receive an email from Kevin Staveley inviting us to enter teams for the NYCA Team Championships. After discussing what best to do with Oli and Aldrin, we decided that we would aim to take an Under 12, and Under 14 team. In the end we got together two excellent squads of 7 players, including representation from South Bristol Juniors, Downend Juniors, Knights of Bristol, Wotton Hall Chess Club, and Brunel Field Primary Chess Club.
Under 12’s
- Zack Norris
- Alexis Malibiran
- Anay Misra
- Carolus Tang
- Charlie Higenbottam
- Siddharth Krishna
- Noah Taylor
Under 14’s
- Elliott Bleeg
- Soumil Saha
- Rayyan Mussa
- Advay Misra
- Jake Binu
- Alexandra Hughes
- Nayra Charlesworth
There were 11 different counties/ chess associations in the Under 14’s, and 10 in the Under 12’s. This included very experienced and established teams such as Staffordshire, Sussex, Barnet, and Richmond.
Each section was contested between teams of six players, over three rounds of FIDE and ECF rated rapidplay (30 minutes per player plus 10 seconds per move). Our first outing in this Team Championships, so we knew it would be a tough ask.
Under 14 Section
The Under 14 / Under 18 playing hall was jam packed at 12pm, and after initial announcements from Kevin and his team the action began. As well as the six players in the main team there were also reserve games to be played.
From checking out team ratings it soon became clear that we were not one of the top seeds, It was obviously going to be a testing day for all our players… just what they wanted !
3 rounds of jamboree format, with plenty of opportunity to analyse games with Oli in-between rounds.
Our final Under 14 score after 3 rounds was 8/18, and it was pleasing that all 7 players contributed to the overall team score.
Nayra and Alexandra shared the reserve slot. One win for both of them on board 6 in the main team, and also one win each in the reserve section. A very good day for them with 2/3.
A special mention also has to be given to Elliott and Soumil (on board one and two). Between them they managed 3.5/6 points, which was an excellent effort considering the
strength of their opponents.
The Under 14’s was indeed a very tough section, and for next year, a new target of 8 to beat
N.B. Each team captain was asked to nominate one player for an individual prize. Oli nominated Elliott for giving it his all, with his impressive score of 1.5/3 on board one.
Report – John Stubbs
Under 12 Section
We gathered in the team room and gave our U12 players their board assignments before making our way to the playing area. We stuck with the original line-up, sorting things out based on their latest rapid rating. The kids’ faces lit up with excitement; it was clear they were pumped to play, and surprisingly there was no pressure at all. After all, it was our first-time participating in this event. (Photo: U12 playing hall)
Recognising the formidable competition from 10 strong teams, our squad surpassed expectations in the 1st Round, achieving an impressive 5/6 with 4 wins and 2 draws, and our reserve board (Noah) scored an additional win in the reserve section.
Round 1 Result:
White
Result
Black
Zack Norris
1-0
Wirral Bd.1
Staffordshire Bd.2
0-1
Alexis Malibiran
Anay Misra
½-½
South Wales A Bd.3
Carolus Tang
1-0
South Wales A Bd.4
Maidenhead Bd.5
½-½
Charlie Higenbottam
Sussex B Bd.6
1-0
Siddharth Krishna
Noah Taylor
1-0
South Wales A Reserve
Notable games round one: (Carolus V South Wales) & (Siddharth V Sussex)
After the Round 1 score tabulation, we find ourselves in the 2nd position, trailing behind the defending champions, Richmond, who asserted their dominance in the first round with a flawless score of 6/6.
As we approached Round 2, we discovered that we would be facing Richmond on board 3 and board 6. Deliberating our strategy, we opted to place Charlie on Board 6, as Oli attests to his ability when contending against formidable opponents.
Zack, Carolus, Siddharth, and Noah swiftly secured victories within just a few minutes of play. While Alexis and Anay felt the heat from their opponents, Charlie skilfully manoeuvred into a favourable position (winning a piece along with a couple of pawns) and clinched a crucial point against Richmond. This put us into the lead in the team standings. Meanwhile, Alexis and Anay were still working hard to secure their points.
After a challenging 65 moves, Alexis emerged victorious in a tough Rook and Pawn endgame. On the other hand, Anay, despite putting up a resilient fight for more than an hour, lost his game against a formidable opponent.
Notable games round two: Charlie v Richmond Bd.6 & Alexis V Sussex. The 65 move game
Round 2 Result:
-
White
Result
Black
South Wales B Bd.1
0-1
Zack Norris
Sussex B Bd.2
0-1
Alexis Malibiran
Richmond Bd.3
1-0
Anay Misra
Carolus Tang
1-0
Wiltshire Bd.4
Maidenhead Bd.5
0-1
Siddharth Krishna
Charlie Higenbottam
1-0
Richmond Bd.6
Noah Taylor
1-0
Staffordshire Reserve
Standing after Round 2:
- Richmond – 10.5
- Bristol & Gloucestershire – 10
- Sussex A – 9.5
- Maidenhead – 7.5
- Wirral – 6
- South Wales A – 5
- Sussex B – 4
- South Wales B – 3.5
- Staffordshire – 3
- Wiltshire – 1
Heading into Round 3, we knew our best shot was 2nd or 3rd place if Richmond scored another 6 points. Still, we told everyone to enjoy the moment and give it their all.
Zack and Alexis sparked team spirit with quick wins on boards 1 and 2, followed by crucial wins from Noah and Siddharth. Charlie’s draw secured 3rd place, with a chance for 2nd place With Carolus and Anay still playing, our fate was undecided.
As Round 3 unfolded, Richmond got 1 win, leaving their 5 players in intense battles. The possibility of them taking gold loomed if they won all remaining games.
In a thrilling twist, Anay sealed the deal with another win, bringing our final score to 14.5 out of 18 games. Surprisingly, Richmond faced setbacks, losing 4 games in the last round. This made us the clear Champions, while Sussex A claimed 2nd, and Richmond landed in 3rd.
Anay earned the nomination for the team’s individual prize, showcasing remarkable determination, and giving his all during the match against Richmond.
Round 3 Result:
-
White
Result
Black
Maidenhead Bd.1
0-1
Zack Norris
Alexis Malibiran
1-0
Sussex A Bd.2
Anay Misra
1-0
South Wales B Bd.3
Sussex A Bd.4
1-0
Carolus Tang
Charlie Higenbottam
½-½
Staffordshire Bd.5
Noah Taylor
1-0
Wirral Bd.6
Siddharth Krishna
1-0
Maidenhead
Conclusion
A remarkable triumph for the Bristol and Gloucestershire U12’s in the ‘National Youth Chess Team Championships 2023’.
We will certainly be back next year keen to defend the Under 12 title, and the U14’s keen to improve on this year’s score.
Thanks to Oli and Aldrin for organising the two teams so well, thanks to the Bristol & District Chess League for covering the entry costs, and thanks to all the parents for their support on the day. And of course, thanks to all the players, in that however it went, they always gave it their all.
As Geoff Gammon would say “I want you to have fun… and remember, always be hard to beat”
Thank you to Mr David Kan for arranging the report (he is avery busy man) and adding the photos etc.
It looks fantastic 🙂
A nice memory to look back on 🙂
Bring on Chepstow – January 13th