Here are the results of the tournament for those who wish to see wins, losses and therebetween.
Here are the Saturday Evening Blitz Results if you arecurious?
Always exceptional Tournament Direction from the one and only Steve Immitt.
Steve Immitt TD
Many thanks to Brian Niebanck, president of the Siena Chess Club. He is a Junior, a Religious Studies major, and a Philosophy minor. His ambition is to soon attend seminary school and become a Protestant minister. In addition to Chess, Brian is also involved on campus with guided tours, Ultimate Frisbee, and Habitat for Humanity. He is one of the elite few who has submitted a game, with annotations, for publication on ENYCA.org.
Brian Niebanck, President of the Siena Chess Club
Congratulations Patrick Chi, first place winner of the Open Section and Blitz tournament. Mr. Chi turns 18 years of age this April. And so, Happy Birthday as well.
Mr. Chi on the Right, Playing Black.
About the victor.
Who and/or what helped you improve in chess along the way?
I need to thank my parents for everything they have done for me in terms of my chess “career.” From driving me to chess lessons to taking me to tournaments across the country, had they not sacrificed their own time I would be nowhere near where I am today. They also pushed to study, to work hard, and really just to love the game of chess.
My students. I honestly believe that they have helped me grow as a chess player and chess ambassador. Teaching chess to other kids is really just something new and something refreshing, and something that just gives great joy. It’s nice to give back to the community that has taught me everything that I know and love.
How old were you when you learned to play chess and who showed you how to play?
I think I first learned to play chess when I was six, when I went to the local Niskayuna Recreation Center to take lessons from Mr. Chu. Mr. Chu introduced me to the game of chess, and I immediately fell in love.
Has Chess helped you in any way outside of the chess world?
Yes, in so many ways. It has taught me how to celebrate victory and how to face defeat. It has taught me how to focus intensely and socialize gregariously (skittles blitz for example). It has taught me how to exercise self-control, handle immense pressure, and so much more.
Can you say something about chess and the Albany Chinese Sunday School in Latham?
I remember that I took the Albany Chinese School extracurricular chess class, which I believe was very early in my life. Aside from that, I think the Albany Chinese School is a great program that not only offers a great language and cultural program in terms of Chinese itself, but also a wealth of extracurriculars, including chess!
Chess Fun at ACS
Were you a student at Albany Chinese School, or always an instructor?
Yes, I was a student at Chinese School since I was seven. I started teaching at the Chinese School when I entered 9th grade, and I stopped attending the “normal” Chinese School in 10th grade.
How is going to the Chinese school different from school M-Friday?
Not much was really different, besides the fact that school only met two hours a week and that everyone was Chinese!
Is it only for Chinese students?
I know for sure that Chinese School isn’t just for Chinese students. I know there are many classes such as English as a Second Language (ESL) that are offered.
Again, Thank You – Mr. Patrick Chi.
William Wu Plays Black
Games to Follow.
