Two New Jersey Boys Dominate at the Greater NY Scholastic Chess Championships
New York, NY, February 4, 2020
International Chess Academy students Bobby Qian of Short Hills, NJ and Alexander Wang of Hillsdale, NJ dominated the 54th Annual Greater NY Scholastic Chess Championships, the first week of February in Brooklyn, NY.
With record-setting attendance, over 1600 scholastic players sparring in the span of two days at the Marriott/Brooklyn Bridge, our students excelled in the Primary and Elementary Championship divisions.
Third-grader, Bobby Qian went 6/6 to top the rest of the field in the Primary Championships. Entering as the top-rated player in the field placed a target squarely on his back, but he buckled down and cast aside any pressure. All his matches were broadcast live online, and in round 5, the legendary Garry Kasparov opened the game for his board! Between rounds Bobby unwound by engaging in a game of ‘Castle Clash’ and comparing his puzzle scores from chess.com with his chess buddies.
Bobby’s weekly perseverance under the guidance of GM Stripunsky at ICA’s Saturday Master Classes seems to have paid off with an impressive and forceful performance at this year’s tournament. Bobby not only takes advantage of the ICA Quads to hone his gaming skills but is able to keep refining his study and puzzle-solving skills.
Alexander Wang went 5.5/6 in the Elementary Championships to tie for the top spot and secured 3rd place after a tiebreak. After a Draw in Round 3, he won the last 3 rounds against very tough opponents and ascended to the top of the field. For Alexander, attending ICA’s Invitational Master Classes on Mondays has helped to turn him into a force to be reckoned with in the national arena.
We offer our congratulations to Bobby and Alexander, and all ICA students who participated in the tournament over Super Bowl weekend!
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