A Year 9 pupil has been invited to take part in a top junior chess tournament in the Czech Republic in April next year.
Thirteen-year-old Jake Breindel has been asked by the English Chess Federation to represent his country at the annual Young Talents competition at Frydek-Mistek. The competition is entering its 76th year and attracts the brightest and best young players from across Europe. Previous participants include current and former grandmasters David Howell, Monika Socko and David Navara.
“This is a tremendous achievement,” said Geoff Roberts, the teacher in charge of chess at QE. “Jake was invited to take part in an international chess tournament in Gibraltar back in the summer, but unfortunately it clashed with another sporting event. Jake had already been selected to play basketball in Philadelphia for the England Maccabi U14 team. I’m confident he will do very well.”
Jake has been winning chess championships since primary school, including the Hertfordshire U9, U11 and U14 Championships. He captained his team to win the English Primary Schools’ Chess Association U9 and U11 Championships. He was the England U10 Rapidplay Champion and won the U11 England Championship, going on to represent England against Flanders. In December 2010 he came second in the prestigious U18 London Classic at Olympia, competing against boys who were up to five years older than him.
“Jake is a talented boy and a chess player of great promise,” said Headmaster Neil Enright. “It’s very important to us that we give our students the opportunities and time they need to excel at extra-curricular activities alongside their studies. We are proud of Jake’s achievements and will follow his chess career with interest.”