The 13^th Annual TCA Beginners Tournament 2023 took place this past Sunday April 16th. A total of 68 kids participated, for many, in their first over-the-board chess tournament. Divided across 4 sections and 7 games, the goal of the tournament was to give kids the chance to test their skills in person, gain experience in a competitive but fun setting and spend some quality chess time among other kids.

The U7 section was dominated by the twin sisters Sonia Peng and Elana Peng, claiming the first 2 overall places, with 6.5 and 6 points. How awesome is it to have your twin sibling competing at the top as well!? In third place, with 5.5 points Lu Bingyang with age winners Jonathan Huang and Zayne Tong below with 4 points each, Best Female was won by Kelly Wong.

1st Place – Peng, Lixiao Sonia 6.5 points
2nd Place – Peng, Litan Elena 6 points
3rd Place – Lu, Bingyang 5.5 points
Best Female – Wong, Kelly 2 points
U6 Age Winner – Tong, Zayne 4 points
U7 Age Winner – Huang, Jonathan 4 points

Results – https://chess-results.com/tnr755434.aspx?lan=1

The U9 section saw a tie in the top places, Fu Jotham barely edging out Wang Vincent in tie-breaks. Both players with 6 points each, this section was the toughest in terms of points as the top 5 players took all awards. In third, with 5.5 points was Tsui Paxton and age winners, Jayden Hoarau and Alex Sun right behind both with 5 points. Best female was claimed by Ella Lin.

1st Place – Fu, Jotham 6 points
2nd Place – Wang, Vincent 6 points
3rd Place – Tsui, Paxton 5.5 points
Best Female – Lin, Ella 3 points
U8 Age Winner – Hoarau, Jayden 5 points
U9 Age Winner – Sun, Guangyuan Alex 5 points

Results – https://chess-results.com/tnr755432.aspx?lan=1

The U11 section was the largest of the day, with 25 players. It was a run away win by Randy Wang, finishing on top with 1.5 points ahead and also being one of three undefeated kids for the day. Behind, all with 5 points each, were 2nd and 3rd place as well as the age winners, tie-breaks had to be used once again. The U11 section has always notably been the toughest, with many having been inspired to play during the pandemic years, most are very well versed with online chess content. 

1st Place – Wang, Randy 6.5 points
2nd Place – Tse, Cheuk Yuen Brandon 5 points
3rd Place – Hui, Cheuk Yu 5 points
Best Female – Ho, Kayley 4.5 points
U10 Age Winner – Chan, Jonathan 5 points
U11 Age Winner – Zhao, Quinn 5 points

Results – https://chess-results.com/tnr755433.aspx?lan=1

The U18 section saw the only perfect score of the day going 7 for 7 points performed by Glenn To. This section has been getting larger over the months, showing that chess is growing among the “older” kids, we hope that is the case! Glenn had an exceptional day, playing 7 games in a single day is no easy task, solid concentration and endurance also play a role.

1st Place – To, Glenn 7 points
2nd Place – Tilton, George 5 points
3rd Place – Wong, Kaiden Prince 4.5 points
U12 Age Winner – De Bremarker, Maximilian Oliver 2 points
U13 Age Winner – Rogers, Macsen 4 points
U14 Age Winner – Sun, Guangxi Lucas 3.5 points

Results – https://chess-results.com/tnr755431.aspx?lan=1

We finished the day with a short and sweet award ceremony.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a FREE Chess Lesson at TCA New Classroom in Kowloon (Deadline on Apr 19) and 30% off discount for the Regular Chess Lessons until Jun in Kowloon (Deadline on Apr 30!

Our next events are:

2nd TCA Road-to-Masters Rapid on Apr 23
2nd TCA Road-to-Masters Blitz on Apr 30