Barton Court Host UK Chess Challenge 2024
Posted on: 06/05/2024On Saturday 4 May 2024, Barton Court Grammar School (BCGS) hosted the East Kent Megafinal, the largest post-COVID chess tournament, adult or junior, in East Kent, eclipsing even last year’s renowned Thanet Congress. A record-breaking 106 boys and girls entered from across Kent and beyond, in age categories from Under-8 all the way up to Under-18, with 56 of them qualifying for the semi-national Gigafinals in July. Two BCGS students entered the tournament, and we hope to see many more at next year’s event once Mr Samuel has set up the new school Chess Club.
Five classrooms were converted into tournament halls for the day, with a digital chess clock at every board and experienced arbiters in every room, while the school canteen served as the ideal waiting zone for parents, thanks to a wonderful all-day food service courtesy of the School’s catering team. Fortunately for us, the sun shone all day, letting everyone enjoy the beautiful green space outside as well. Huge thanks are due to BCGS for hosting the event. Parents and players alike said that they thought the venue and playing conditions were ideal, and we will be delighted to return to BCGS for the 2025 Megafinal.
The event was organised for the third year running by Sandwich Chess Club, and the Club would particularly like to thank the volunteers and other support for the event.
The full results of the 2024 East Kent Megafinal can be accessed via the Sandwich Chess Club website at: Megafinal — Sandwich Chess Club (sandwichess.uk)
