Trinity Anglican School student chess team ready to checkmate in Australian Championships in Cairns
Far North students will play their best chess when the Australian Schools Teams Championship hosted by Trinity Anglican School commences on December 3 in Cairns.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australia’s best junior chess whizzes will travel to Cairns this weekend with an eye to winning a national title trophies during the Australian Schools Teams Championship hosted by Trinity Anglican School (TAS) at White Rock.
It’s the first time the prestigious event has been held in the Far North and 24 teams comprising up to 144 students are expected to compete.
For TAS Grade 11 student Myuri Gopalapillai, the chance for her team to enjoy a home-game advantage in the Girls Secondary Open Division.
“I’ve been playing chess since Grade 3 and like to coach the younger players,” the 17-year-old said.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity and to represent TAS, I will try my best and see how I go.
“The team has been to many state tournaments and won a few regional championships.”
Myuri said chess was a mental sport and was a terrific way to improve cognitive skills.
“Chess helps you focus, think about strategy and it involves discipline,” Myuri said.
TAS chess co-ordinator and event official David Long said the school community was thrilled to host the Australian Chess Federation (ACF) event on December 3 and 4.
“It’s such a rare and exciting opportunity for a regional school to host a significant and national event such as the Australian Schools Teams Championships,” he said.
He said over 50 per cent of the student body participated in lessons and tournaments.
“We encourage all students to gain from the social and intellectual benefits of chess,” he said.
ACF representative Paul Power said the tournament was important to recognise up and coming talent.
“Teams from the far corners of the nation will come to Cairns to compete,” he said.
“Chess is now more popular than it was five years ago, the Queen’s Gambit movie had a huge impact on the game’s popularity.”
Mr Power said it’s exciting players can compete in person as the pandemic meant the two previous years titles were held online.
For enthusiasts, there is also a Blitz Tournament over nine rounds on Monday, December 5, from 8.30am to 12 noon at the same venue.
More Coverage
Originally published as Trinity Anglican School student chess team ready to checkmate in Australian Championships in Cairns
School issues alert after man chases, lures students
A school in Far North Queensland is on high alert following reports a man chased students and attempting to lure them into his car.
‘Grabbed his dogs and ran’: Airbnb guest lucky to escape house fire
A Cairns Airbnb guest was lucky to escape a blaze with his two dogs unscathed after a home was completely gutted by fire, believed be caused by a phone charger. Watch the video.