Published on: 5 September 2014


Christ Church defended its title of champion school in the PSA Chess Tournament last week. It is the fifth consecutive year the School has won the event.

Teacher in Charge of Chess Dominic Hodnett said Christ Church sent its four strongest chess players to defend the School’s title including Chess Captain Richard Tien (Year 12), Liam Tien (Year 9), Tom King (Year 12) and Wei Juen Lo (Year 12). Mr Hodnett said the boys had been preparing for months with weekly help from the School’s Chess Coach Ned Robles.

“Confidence was high and this proved justified after Day 1, as the boys won all four contests including Wesley, who we thought might pose the strongest opposition,” he said. “On Day 2, a draw against Guildford set up the nail-biting finale against Scotch, who could win the tournament if they defeated us in the final round.”

Mr Hodnett said after regrouping during the bye in Round 6, the boys focused on their individual games, blotting everything else out to secure a resounding 4-0 clean sweep to clinch the title.

“Chess is a game of skill and nerve, particularly with so much riding on games in the PSA tournament format, which allows each player just 15 minutes on the clock,” he said. “Our boys had been taught mental resolve as well as tactical nous and thorough preparation, which on both fronts proved decisive in the end.”

Mr Hodnett attributed Christ Church’s ongoing success in competitive chess tournaments, in part, to a culture of chess at the School.