Cambridge chess kids make great moves

(front L-R) Matthias, Dasula and George; and at the back are Kevin and Alex. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

Meet some of the state’s best young chess players.

Cambridge Primary School pupils Matthias, Alexander, Dasula, Kevin and George put their best moves and strategies forward at the recent Chess Victoria Primary Open final, placing 10th out of 24 schools.

It was only the second year the Hoppers Crossing school had qualified for the state final, after coming in 22nd last year.

Kevin, who was team captain, had to play the top-ranked player from each school.

“It was difficult,” he said.

George added: “All five of us are roughly equal [talent-wise], but the top people there are like grand masters.”

The players said they had learned new tricks and techniques off their fellow competitors.