Checkmate! Brentwood School student crowned British Under 16 Chess Champion

Brentwood School Year 9 chess aficionado Max Pert has outmanoeuvred his opponents to claim the title of British Under 16 Chess Champion!

The British Chess Championships, held in Hull from July 25th to August 4th, saw Max remain unbeaten throughout the tournament, finishing with a score of 5.5/7 (4 wins and 3 draws). His pivotal victory came in Round 5, where he executed a meticulously calculated win against fellow England International, Zain Patel. This crucial win allowed Max the luxury of being able to draw his final 2 games to take the title.

The Under 16 Championships spanned 7 days, with one round played each day. Each game could last up to 4 hours, with players matched against opponents of a similar score.

In addition, Max’s sister Nina, a Year 11 student, also excelled, winning the British Under 16 Girls’ Championship, marking her impressive fifth National Girls’ Championship title.

Both Nina and Max impressed in the Major Open at the British Championships, tying for 10th place out of 125 players with a score of 6/9.

Max and Nina have long been stalwarts of Brentwood School chess and the Senior School team includes other former Prep School players (some of whom Max taught to play).

Brentwood School’s Head of Chess, Robin Slade, expressed his delight: "I was thrilled for Max. He thoroughly deserved his first National Championship. Max works incredibly hard at his chess and remains humble about his success. He also possesses a rare talent for coaching and inspiring his friends and fellow students."