INDIVIDUAL EVENT
The final day of the PwC Chess4Change Grand Slam Tournament was also the final day for the individual tournaments. The final three rounds were to take place as the top three chess masters across twenty-two schools and forty-two individual competitors were set to be determined.
The final three rounds were very interesting as mouth-watering ties were drawn as the best of the best were drawn against each other.
Tension grew as we progressed to the sixth and final round before the knockout stages, which included the two semi-finals and the final match. The arbiters were once again amazed at the brilliant tactics that the students resorted to the grind out victories before the match ups ended.
There were a lot of last minute victories as the tactical battles involved waring out the opponent mentally and striking when the opponent least expected it. Also it was noticed that the students began to use odd chess pieces to checkmate their opponents effortlessly. The arbiters, who are the experts also leant a few things from the students.
At the knockout stage, only one female was left standing but sadly she was not able to emerge as the ultimate grand master.
SCHOOLS EVENT
The last round and closing ceremony were the highlights of day three. The task for the players on the final day of the event for was too fight for their places on the leader-boards and ensure a top 10 finish to stand a chance of any form of recognition and reward.
The sixth and final round was closely contested among the remaining twenty-two schools left in the tournament. Only two straight wins were recorded thanks to the consistent absentees in the tournament.
The last round ended with great sighs and cheers of victory after minutes of great silence due to the intense concentration of everyone in the arena. The last round had the best of the best tied against each other. Bragging rights were at stake and only intelligent and tactically sound players emerged with wins.
The closing ceremony began at midday with the different dignitaries from MediaVision Limited, PwC and Lagos State Ministries, praising the students and admonishing them to allow the sport affect the different aspects of their lives. Thereafter, the outstanding teams and individuals were awarded with different accolades which were well deserved.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
