Singapore hosts world’s top youth chess players

Story by Dawn Yip

I am sitting at Tampines Sports Complex, encircled by the deafening cheers, shrieks and fight songs from the supporters of the A Division floorball final. I can barely hear myself think, yet am swept up by the electrifying passion and energy of the game environment.

Amid the din, an email pops up in my inbox. It’s the Singapore Chess Federation, informing me that the 4th World Schools Chess Championships 2008 is nigh.

The contrast couldn’t be more stark – the mind sees motionless chess adversaries seated quietly as they consider their next move, while in front of me, floorballers are tearing down the court with arms swinging and hair flying. It wasn’t surprising that the last piece I wrote about chess generated some discussion on whether chess could accurately be called a sport.

Still, the Singapore SPORTS Council is supporting the event, and the Singapore Chess Federation is after all a National SPORTS Association, so who is Red SPORTS to say otherwise. And no matter where you stand on the issue, there’s no denying that the 4th World Schools Chess Championships is a noteworthy event, given that this 8-day competition will pit Singapore students against some of the world's best youth chess players, and expose Singaporeans from as young as 5 years old to the pressures of international contest.

The Singapore edition of this premier chess event has attracted over 250 players from 23 countries such as China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Peru, Philippines, South Africa and South Korea. Singapore is fielding 120 players, and is optimistic of a good showing given the home ground advantage. In 2006, Singapore won the Under-7 Boys and U-11 Girls titles, as well as the overall team titles.

If you’d like to show your support, the detail are below. Just remember to leave the clappers and drums at home.

Venue
Teck Ghee Community Club, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10

Schedule
23 July, 15:00 – Opening Ceremony and Round 1
24 July, 15:00 – Round 2
25 July, 15:00 – Round 3
26 July, 09:00 – Round 4; 16:00 – Round 5
27 July, 09:00 – Round 6; 16:00 – Round 7
29 July, 15:00 – Round 8
30 July, 09:00 – Round 9; 15:00 – Closing Ceremony