Sussex U9s - plus siblings - go on tour to Kent - 28th June 2009

28th June 2009 saw sat navs once again being programmed as 8 of our U9 team (plus two U14 siblings) sought some pre-Gigafinal practice at the Kent Junior Chess Association (KJCA) final GP of the season at Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells.

The usual sat nav/Google Maps issues, plus the closure of the A26, prompted a late start - just like Sussex Tournaments!

Any hopes that Kent had of pulling the timings back in the first round were roundly scuppered by Sussex: Arthur in the U14s inevitably took advantage of the full time control; Michael & Joseph (U9s) delayed the start by disappearing; and Cassie (U9s) required a medical break!

However, great organisation prevailed and the tournament was soon back on track. The field was very strong - just what we needed - and the children had a great day.
U9s at Tunbridge Wells

Many thanks to our close neighbours - and friendly rivals - Kent for allowing us to gatecrash their final GP of the season. All agreed it was a great venue & a warm welcome - and county loyalties were soon forgotton in the inevitable football sessions between rounds!

As the Sussex parents enjoyed the sunshine and the lack of responsibility for the event the conversation turned to possible future excursions - could this be the start of the Sussex U9s going global?! - you heard it here first!

Results:

U9 Section Josh Higgs 4½ / 6 3rd= and certificate of commendation
  Michael Stockham 4 / 6 certificate of commendation
  David Liu 4 / 6 certificate of commendation
  Joe Thorley 3 / 6  
  Kiran Gopinathan 3 / 6  
  Cassie Graham 2 / 6  
  Freya Finnegan 2 / 6  
  Joseph Tomy 1½ / 6  
       
U14 Section Will Graham 3 / 5  
  Arthur Graham 2½ / 5