Strategy, analysis and calculation see local students take chess honours

JULIA WADE

08 May, 2023

Six members of Mangawhai Chess Club won placings at the Northland Regional School's Teams Chess Competition on April 28, held at Woodhill’s Hora Hora Primary School in Whangarei, qualifying them all for a place in the national team finals competition in October.

Top girl, Y6 and under, was Victoria Dai (MBS). First place overall, Y7 and over, was Jackson Wintle (OHS).

Players heading to the NZ Nationals are Ryan Smith, Victoria Dai, and winning intermediate team members Jackson Wintle, Caleb Lawrence-Goss, Elliot Hartles, and Te Oranganui Kingi.

Understandably, founder and president of both Mangawhai and Maungaturoto Chess Clubs, Tina Smith, is ecstatic with the wins.

“The day was the best day ever! We entered a Mangawhai Beach School junior team and an Otamatea High school Intermediate team who won first place for Northland. I am so proud of all the amazing players.”

Tina initiated Mangawhai Chess Club two years ago and the Maungaturoto chapter started up this year in February, with one young Mangawhai Beach School player, Victoria Dai only playing for three terms.

“Victoria only learnt to play chess when she joined our chess club and won top junior girl and came third overall for the juniors, which is amazing, and Mangawhai’s Ryan Smith came second overall for the juniors,” Tina says. “All the players from Mangawhai and Maungaturoto chess clubs gave it their all, they did a great job... you made us really proud guys.”

n Want to play chess? Mangawhai Chess Club meets at Mangawhai Domain on Fridays 3.45-6pm. Maungaturoto Chess Club meets at The Historic Inn, Wednesdays 2-6pm. Contact Tina for more details 021 689 988, tinibop@gmail.com.

Tina Smith with members of the successful Mangawhai and Otamatea school chess teams. PHOTO/SUPPLIED