Chess kids do well at regionals

by Ken Johnston
Editor

While dissapointed that none of them are moving on to the National Chess Championships, Norma-Jean Johnston said that all the kids who recently attended the regionals, in Thunder Bay October 13th, did extremely well.

Finishing at the top of the pack was Marty Johnston who has been to nationals the past two years. However his four out of five possible points was only good enough to tie for fourth. Two competitors had 5 points and one had 4.5 pts. Norma-Jean said that the competition at the regionals keeps getting better each year.

Marty lost to the player he beat last year to qualify for the nationals in Sackville, New Brunswick. However that player, from Ignace, also lost one game and was tied with Marty for fourth. He competed in the 13 & 14 year old age bracket.

Ethan Swentik of Rainy River also had a good showing at the regionals. He won 3 out of 5 games to earn three points in the same bracket as Johnston.

Three younger players, Jordan Jenson, Jaden Chorney and Julian Kirkrude competed for the first time at the regionals. Both Jenson and Chorney won 3 out of 5 games to earn 3 points each. Kirkrude won two games and returned home with 2 points.

Norma-Jean Johnston said that the team not only did well but looked great garbed in team uniforms donated by Lifestyles Clothing of Rainy River and the Rainy River Legion.