On February 16, eight Guardians competed in the 2019 Winter KAIAC Chess Tournament at Gyeonggi Suwon International School (GSIS). Nearly 100 students representing six international schools vied for top honors in three divisions: Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Elementary.

In the JV division, 17 students competed in seven rounds. From YISS, William S. K. (7) won four of his games, while Max H. (8) won six, earning the second place medal.

In the Elementary division, YISS had a team of five: Eva H. (4A), Ian M. (4B), Timur T. (5A), Leon K. (5C), and Nathan C. (5D). After the end of the eights rounds, YISS had three students in the top 10, with Timur and Leon capturing first and third place, respectively.

As an added feature, all of the JV and over 30 of the elementary students were selected to play Simultaneous Chess with Mr. Song, a well-accomplished Korean chess player and coach. YISS fifth-grader, Timur, was complimented and won a special award for his strong game.

Players have one more opportunity to match wits with other chess enthusiasts this season. On April 20, Seoul International School will host the final tournament.