Checkmate!

Claremont students go pawn-to-pawn in five gruelling rounds of chess 

22nd April 2025 marked the inaugural inter-college Chess Tournament at Claremont High School, with 44 students across all the year groups competing to be crowned chess champs. For those in the know, the weekly drop-in Chess Club has become one of Claremont’s most popular extra-curricular activities - over 140 pupils attend over the course of a year, with about forty regular participants each week. 

‘There was great demand for a tournament,’ explains Ms Patel, who runs the club. ‘Each week, students got to develop their skills, learn from each other and make new friends. Soon they were feeling ready for a bigger challenge.’ 

Pupils from years 7 to 13 competed in the tournament, proudly representing their colleges and hoping to be proclaimed champions in their age-category. All the students played an intense five-minute game to get through to the next round, with some players taking part in five games before the end of the tournament. 

‘It was amazing to see so much enthusiasm and sportsmanship on display,’ says Ms Patel. ‘Pupils of all abilities loved the opportunity to be challenged and come out of their comfort zones.’ 

Aimee Desai in Year 9 definitely agrees: ‘I really enjoyed being able to test my skills. Although I still have a lot to learn, I’m proud of what I achieved. It was a lot of fun!’ 

Participating students all received college points plus a chess keyring in recognition of their achievement. The three winners also received a gift voucher each. They were: Emilian Mutafchev 7.8, Yug Lakhtaria 9.11 and Yusuf Lomboy 12.2. They got through five gruelling rounds of chess, beating their opponents at every stage! 

‘I enjoyed playing in the tournament because it was my first time playing with a timer,’ explains Emilian. ‘It was a bit challenging for me, but I still tried my best. I can’t wait till the next one!’ 

‘I enjoyed the competition and the feeling that you could lose at any moment,’ says Yug, ‘but I tried to stay focused on my games.’ 

‘What I enjoyed most was playing against people I'd never played before,’ says Yusuf, ‘and playing in person, rather than online behind a screen. Struggling with nerves was something to deal with but considering how fast new pairings were made, I didn't really have time to be nervous, which helped.’ 

Mr Lipman, who oversees all Claremont’s extra-curricular activities, wasn’t surprised by the success of the event: ‘Ms Patel’s Chess Club has been a huge hit this year with massive numbers week-on-week. The tournament was testament to the students’ enthusiasm for this, with the New Hall so busy and active with players. It was an amazing sight!’