Fife Primary Chess Championships

January 20, 2007

Glenwood High School, Glenrothes, once again played host to the Fife Primary Chess Championships. In spite of the chilly weather, around forty five young enthusiasts turned up – a rise of 50% compared to 2006. Though the field was slightly weakened by the late withdrawal of one of the favourites, the competition was fierce.

In the main championships, two youngsters had to play-off after both finished on 5/5. (I think this was a consequence having too many players for only five rounds). In the end, Sam Turner Blyth of Carleton proved just a bit too strong for Crossford’s Iain Hay, and the Carleton kid won to retain the Fife Miners Cup he won last year.

The Primary Five and Under championship came down to a final round decider between the holder, Connor Jones of Freuchie, and Ross Kerr of Carleton. As in the main championship, the current holder, Connor, proved too experienced and the Fife Council Out of School Hours Learning Trophy will spend another year on Connor’s Freuchie mantelpiece.

Mathew Swayne capped a good day for Crossford by taking the GiantKilling cash prize for his victory over a player graded 373 points above him. Also doing well Emma Kilpatrick of Markinch, who took the ‘Best Girl’ medal, and Carleton’s Michael Petrie who received the medal for ‘Best Primary 3 and Under’.

All players should be commended for not only the standard of play and high levels of concentration on display, but for their sporting behaviour – particularly those playing in their first tournament (many in Primary 3 or 4).

 All players who scored 50% or more qualified for the Chess Scotland finals in April – a special mention should go to Newcastle Primary, who put in the best team effort, with all four of their entrants securing a place in the finals.

 

(left to right) Connor Jones (Freuchie - P5&Under Champion); Iain Hay (Crossford - Runner Up); Sam Turner Blyth (Carleton -Fife Primary School Champion); Michael Petrie (Carleton - Best P3&Under); Matthew MacIntosh (Pitreavie - 3rd in P5&Under); Ross Kerr (Carleton - P5&Under Runner Up); Matthew Swayne (back - Crossford - 3rd Place and Giant Killing prize); Heather Reid (Carleton - BestP5&Under Girl); Emma Kilpatrick (Markinch - Best Girl)

 

 

Many thanks to the teachers and parents who helped out on the day and to Bruce Geddes in particular.

Report by Stuart Blyth