"Celebration - Children" Chess Challenge 2011

This is the FIRST competition for L & 2nd for Z. I'm actually more concerned for L...  She started chess late for her age so kids at this level most likely are more 'expert' than she is.   I'm afraid she will feel demoralize  if she didn't get any points.  Days before the competition, I talked to her and reminded her the main reason why she picked up chess, not to compete but to help her to stay more focus, develops critical thinking skill and so on...  Going for competition is basically more like for fun and have a chance to play with other kids.

Chatting with her best friend, Rachel before the first round. 

My boy looked like he was still in dreamland before the first game.

For first round, L played against a rated player!  Needless to say, she lost...  But I must say that my girl did well, not in term of her skill, she tried her best and was able to slow down and think carefully before each step.

Recording during the game..

For Z, first round he played against his friend, Ilian, not a easy player to beat and he lost too.  I managed to get him to do recordings and that helped him to slow down and think carefully.

L managed to draw 3 games & won the 2nd last round.   For her first competition, I think she did quite well.  Not forgetting she was facing all the experts out there.

The round that he was he board 1.  The girl looked so much younger right?  She is same age as Z, in fact, older by month and she's already in junior squad. 

Z, on the other hand, was nerve wrecking to me. Hehe..   This was the first time he got to play in board 1!  He played against the Champion,  Gillian. He lost and the following round, he played against a rated player. He told me he was extremely nervous when he was in board 1 and knowing how good Gillian was.  They played chess together sometimes at the chess club.

L's result:

1st rd (board 11) - Lew Zhi Yang (1115) *rating - lost
2nd rd (board 17) - Jordan Chng - lost
3rd rd (board 19) - Endaya David Clark - draw
4th rd (board 19) - Rachel Poh - draw
5th rd (board 17) - Brendan Goh - draw
6th rd (board 18) - Jacob Huang - won
7th rd (board 14) - Bansal Prakhar - lost

Z's result:

1st rd (board 12) - Ilian - lost
2nd rd (board 17) - Nathanael Goh - won
3rd rd (board 13) - Da Rama Cong Gregory - won
4th rd (board 8) - Janice (Gillian's sister) - won
5th rd (board 5) - Diana Yasmin - won
6th rd (board 1) - Gillian (1156) - lost
7th rd (board 6) - I-Shiang (1042) - lost

A the end of the 7 rounds, all the kids were very excited about the trophies & medals.   L was very lucky to get her FIRST trophy (merit) for girls and her standing was 8th among 10 girls participants.   Z got a merit medal and his standing was 13th place out of 39 U8 players(boys & girls).  Not too bad huh?

L received her first trophy

Z received his first medal.  He wanted to get a trophy so much but it was tough for boys.  

L with her best friends, Rachel & Charmaine.

Before I end the post, more pics of my kiddos with their trophy & medal!  Mommy is excited even though it's not the top 3, coz it's their very FIRST! Hehe...  My rascal, it's ok not winning a trophy ok?  As long as you know you have put in your best effort.  Mommy is still very proud of you!

Well done my babies!  Mommy is very proud of both of you!