Graham provided this report on the David Brodie Trophy, the annual competition for the junior members of Stirling Chess Club
On Monday past, the juniors competed in an allegro tournament for the David Brodie Trophy. There were 14 competitors, playing five rounds with 15 minutes for each game. Some great chess was played, and the destination of the trophy wasn't decided until the last match of the last round.
Victor, having declined a draw offer which would have seen him win the competition outright, played on in a fairly closed position having just opened the h file. However, it turned out to be Elsa who managed to take advantage of this and get her Queen in behind Victor's defences to first win a piece, then chase Victor's King into the middle of the board where she delivered checkmate with less than 30 seconds remaining on her clock.
This means that the trophy is shared between Elsa, Victor, and Kai. Well done to them, and well done to all the competitors, some of whom where playing in a proper competition for the first time.
Thanks to Julie for taking the photographs, thanks to Grishma for providing the participation awards, thanks to Grishma and Jim for helping with queries, and special thanks to Marissa (David's daughter) for presenting the awards and trophy.
Thanks also to Richard for providing the crosstable.
