Close to 450 students from schools throughout the district competed for individual, as well as team awards, at the annual Orange County Public Schools' Chess Tournament. Players were excited to compete in-person, which has not occurred since May 2019.
Using Swiss Style tournament rules, players competed in six 30-minute rounds, touch-move. Middle and high school players used a clock, a first for this event. Players earned one point per win and half a point for a draw. Participants had to make the right moves to play in the sixth round and a chance at their division title.
Sunridge Middle School hosted the in-person event. Plus, an additional 150 players participated through a virtual tournament option.
Chess teaches problem solving, creative thinking, abstract reasoning skills, patience and good sportsmanship. Students also improve their strategic thinking and pattern recognition skills.
Congratulations to the award recipients
K - 2 Top School - Blankner
K - 2 Top Players
1st - Ishaan Jain - Camelot
2nd - Lin Yang - Blanker
3rd - Boston Harvey - NorthLake Park
3-5 Top School - Orlando Gifted Academy
3-5 Top Players
1st - Joshua Bentley - Orlando Gifted Academy
2nd - Veronica Bajo - Stone Lakes
3rd - Hayden Alday - NorthLake Park
MS Top School - Roberto Clemente
MS Top Players
1st - Sachit Rajkumar - Hunter's Creek
2nd - Vinh Tran - Freedom
3rd - Sen Yang - Blankner
HS Top School - Lake Nona
HS Top Players
1st - Srijan Ganta Lake Nona
2nd - Cancel Lopez - Windermere
3rd - Ivan Goponenko - Lake Nona
Check out this FOX 35 Good Day preview story about the event.