On Sunday 1 October, Habs Boys took part in the ECF Secondary Schools Rapidplay Chess Tournament 2023.

Hosted by Eton College, the exciting event saw 52 teams from 42 schools competing across five separate rounds. As the name Rapidplay suggests, it all happened in the space of a day.

When it came time for the tournament, three students from our usual ‘A team’ were unable to play, which saw three new players rise to the challenge. Kanishk (8R1) and Adi (8R2) both made their Eton debuts, while Ru 9H2 stepped in at the last moment. Also representing the school were Savin L6H1, Kian L6R1 and Avyukt 9M2, with each player performing superbly.

While Kian won all five of his matches, Kanishk and Avyukt won four and drew one each. With Adi triumphing in four and Ru victorious in three, it was an impressive score. Not only individually, but a great team effort too.

The contest went right down to the wire, with Habs Boys coming third overall, just one point behind winners, Wilson’s School, and half a point behind second-placed Hampton School.

With such a close finish, the boys were content with their success. Eton, meanwhile, proved truly gracious hosts, treating parents and teachers to a tour of the historic school.