By Stephanie Pitcher
Salt Lake City

May 26, 2011

All-Girls' Chess Championships 2011, in Photos

This year's All-Girls' Chess Championship drew a record number of girls from all corners of the state. With 69 young participants in attendance, the tournament was arguably one of the most successful all-girls events in memory. The tournament was held on February 26, 2011, and kindly hosted at Newman Elementary School. Special thanks to all the amazing parents and volunteers who helped make the tournament a special event.

Between rounds girls had the opportunity to get their faces painted and make bracelets or necklaces. We hope that the tournament allowed the girls to make new friends, be creative, build sportsmanship, and gain confidence through chess.

In the K-12 Championship section, Minna Wang, Elisabeth Gondolo, Ana Martin, and Ruby Bowers finished in a tie for first place. After a round robbin blitz play-off, Minna Wang and Elisabeth Gondolo finished ahead of the other two, but were still tied. Minna took the overall trophy while Elisabeth accepted the nomination to be the Utah representative at the Polgar Invitational this summer in Lubbock, Texas.

In the 3-5 section, Jacinda Lee took first place with 5/5 points, while Sadie Waters and Jamila Hamden tied for second with 4/5. Natalie Gushin, Amy Hammond, and Anna Lee all tied for first place in the K-2 section, each with 4/5 points.

Below is a photo journal of the tournament.

Minna Wang and Elisabeth Gondolo face off in the K-12 section

Face Painting

Pink trophies

Newman Elementary Girls Chess Team

The Championship Blitz Playoff