In an amazing series of matches filled with drama the Intermediate Chess team of Cedric Koh (10/MO) (board 1), William Tao (10/KL) (board 2), Nick Sharp (10/JN) (board 3) and Eamon Barrett (10/JN) (board 4) clinched the Metropolitan East Regional Championship overcoming Trinity 2 all by countback.

The match opened with Cedric winning convincingly very early, Eamon was behind after a nasty exchange left him a piece down and was under pressure for the remainder of the match losing through both time and material. This left William and Nick to decide the event. William was pushing through the centre but was falling behind on time and eventually lost on flagfall. Finally, Nick had an even position throughout the match with neither player gaining a clear advantage, but with Nick clearly ahead on time. This time pressure created an opportunity and he took the advantage, winning convincingly in the end.

Due to the countback system giving more weight to the higher placed boards this meant we won 6 points to 4 and progressed to the next stage of the Tournament.

The Inter-Regional Rounds will decide the Sydney Metropolitan Champion School and we play the winners of the South-West Region, Macquarie Fields High School, this week.

Mr Graeme Downward
Chess Co-ordinator