SIS chess players showed mixed results when the varsity team failed to place while the junior varsity team placed first, second and third in the KAIAC chess tournament held at Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) on Nov. 15.
The players had high expectations for this competition because of last year’s results. Last year, they placed in all three divisions: varsity, junior varsity and elementary. Sophomores JiWhan Moon, Haram Cho and Justin Cheun placed first, third and fourth respectively in the varsity division. In the junior varsity division, Noah Chang (8) and Daniel Kang (10) placed first and third. Finally, sixth graders Jason Park and Eddie Choe placed first and third in the elementary division.
This year, however, the varsity team did not place in the top three. See Hyun Park (9) placed fourth in the varsity division, the only varsity member to receive an award. However, the junior varsity team improved with. Andrew Ham (8), Derek Minwoo Kim (6) and Jaden Ha (7) winning first, second and third respectively. Many strong varsity chess players were absent due to a Mu Alpha Theta competition that took place on the same day.
“We had a lot of missing players this year,” said Andrew Rhee (10), varsity team member. “Our best members who placed last year went to the Mu Alpha Theta competition and so it was more difficult for the team to show good results. We also had new members such as myself who were not as experienced as the former members.”
According to Marilou Anderson, Chess Club adviser, there were also problems with inconsistent and inadequate practices. The team was scheduled to practice every activity period on Wednesdays and after school on Fridays. However, because many of the Friday school days were cancelled, the team missed several practices.
“Next year, we will have to get more practices in before the game,” said Mrs. Anderson. “We will also continue to invite our junior varsity players to practices so that they can learn from the more experienced players.”
Planning the next move to set up a checkmate, Christopher Kim (9), varsity chess player, stares at his pieces. “Though I was close to winning, I was worried that my one move would change the match,” Christopher said.
Photo by Kelly Kim (11)