Women's World Chess Champion Visits OFS

OFS Chess enthusiasts had a unique opportunity to meet the current Women's World Chess Champion and Rapid Champion, Grandmaster Ju Wenjun, who visited our school on Saturday, 27 April 2019.

The High School Principal Ms Bentin and the Principal of the Elementary School, Mr Horchner, welcomed Ms Wenjun. After photos and autographs for all participants, Ms Wenjun played against 35 students, in a simultaneous display, which lasted about 4 hours.

The Champion scored 34 wins and drew one game, against a strong 13-year old Singapore student (FIDE rated 1937) From OFS, Shah Arsh (Grade 6) played well and reached a balanced endgame but lost a pawn and the game. We had many students playing well but special mention also goes to Sacheendran Arin and Suzuki Saki both in Grade 3.

Another highlight of the day was the blitz (5-minute) game between Ms Wenjun and OFS Chess teacher Ms Dengler. It was a tense and interesting game, but eventually, the World Champion managed to generate a pawn majority on the queenside with c5-c4, and went on to win.