Ark Triumphs At National Chess Tournament

Ark Putney Academy takes home the Ark Chess Tournament trophy

The team took first place with a score of 23, outperforming the joint-second place teams who scored 16.



The tournament’s star player was Ark Putney’s Guilhem Denninger, who won all of his seven matches. Guilhelm was also recently named Under 16 London Junior Chess Champion who in the spirit of collegiality, also helps to train his fellow teammates.

Guilhem said: “I knew we would all do well in the tournament and that extra training just gave us the push we needed! I’m really proud of what we achieved.”

Part of Ark Putney’s extra-curricular offer, the chess club has proved extremely popular - around 30 students regularly practise and play. The club is open to students every break, lunchtime and after school and is run by the Head of Music, Mr Marshall.

Mr Marshall said:
“Chess, as well as being a lot of fun, is an inclusive sport that helps our students to develop their problem solving skills. It was lovely to see so many young people come together to not just compete against each other but to support each other too – competitors were giving each other tips and advice on how to improve their game. It really was an inspiring day.”

Sabir, Year 9, said:
“I enjoyed playing against other schools – you don’t know how they play so you don’t know what to expect.”
Emmanuel, Year 9, added:
“You’re always thinking you made a mistake – pressure, pressure, pressure all the time!”

The Ark Putney team are determined to keep practicing and to hold onto the trophy at next year’s tournament.

March 18, 2015