Sussex Closed U9, U11 and U13 Championships, Great Walstead School, 27th November 2011

Over 100 players made the trip to Lindfield for the Sussex U9, U11 and (new for this season) U13 age group championships. These events are always hotly contested as they combine individual competition with a School team element. Also, the Sussex team selectors are usually present, looking for candidates for the county squads who will start their campaigns in national competitions in the Spring term.

Almost half the entry were in the U9 section. At the top end were veterans from last years U9 team, including Oli Howell who travelled to Austria last summer as part of an England squad. However, by far the majority were new this season, many were only Under-8s, and in fact 10 were only Under-7s. Oli secured his first place with an emphatic 6 out of 6. Then came Hugo Westwood-Dunkley and Lucy Bennet-Stevens who have both had an impressive run of form this season. Madeleine Liu continues to improve, and good to see a return to form for George Neale and Ami Finnegan. Well done also to Under-8 Roland Bourne, playing in only his second tournament, who just missed the prizes with 4½; and Oliver and Thomas Manchester and Alec Hedger, all under-7s, who all scored 4.

The U9 school team competition was very close, with only half a point separating established chess centres Copthorne Prep (1st) and Broadwater (2nd). However newcomers to the competition, St. Josephs, broke through to take 3rd place.

The U11 section was a very tough place to be with at least 4 aspiring England players and several county players. Here experience won out for the top spots, but good to see Daniel Gooda, Indie Udsholt-Clayton, and relative newcomer James West in the chasing pack with 4 points. A very good performance in his first event for Tom Gould with 3½.

In the U11 school team event only ½ point separated gold from bronze! First time in the medals for Heron Way, and with a young team they look a good prospect for next year.

Finally to the U13 section. England squad duo Josh and David moved smoothly from being last years' U11 winners to the top spot again this year. Sandwiched between the established county players was Jason Rose, turning in a very good 4 points in his first SJC tournament to share 4th place. Tanith Davies, who displayed beautiful posture all day, took the girls prize. A very consistent Sackville Team - Alistair (4), Seb (3½) and Jimmy (3) secured the gold team prize. Emerging chess force UCTC with a mix of experienced and new players accounted for almost half the entry. Led from the front by Michael Stockham, Dan Manvell and Alisha Gunn watch out for this team next year!

As always a long list of volunteers without whom the event wouldn't have happened. Thanks to long standing venue Great Walstead and to Headteacher Colin Baty for giving up time at the weekend to present the prizes. Catering ran smoothly under Ed, Karen and Debbie, assisted by Daniel. Thanks to Sue for running the tournament; Will and Dave on pairings, and board stewards Anthony, Brian, Gary, Mike, Tom, and Trevor.

Headline results are below, and full cross tables here and photos here.