One of Truro High’s youngest competitive players, 7-year-old Ornela Mallick stormed to victory in the Regional Megafinal of the UK Chess Challenge proudly taking home the Cornwall Under 7 Girls Suprema title.
Ornela won an outstanding four out of six games against fierce competition from the county’s top young players which involved playing in a combined section with the more experienced Under 8s.
The Prep 2 pupil was joined at the championships at Penair School by teammates Victoria and Leela, who both proved themselves as formidable opponents in this regional level of competition. Prep 3 Victoria even headed home clutching a highly commended medal for all her hard work.
To earn their places on the school team the girls took part in a competition organised by their chess teacher, international competitor Jeremy Menadue.
Mr Menadue said: “The standard of chess played in Truro High Prep School is very high and prestigious competitions like this are a wonderful opportunity for players to showcase their talent, meet old adversaries and make new friends. I was very impressed by the girls’ gameplay this weekend and am especially proud to see Ornela get her just rewards for all the hard work she puts in at Chess Club it, a shiny trophy to keep and the chance to represent Cornwall on a national platform.”
As a result of the competition, Ornela will now be heading to Twickenham this July where she will represent the school and Cornwall in the competition’s national Gigafinal.
