Whooo’s Playing Chess in Memphis, Tennessee?

This question, asked in the best owl-voice possible, rings clear over chessboards, set and ready for battle. “We are!” responds the room of students filling the tournament hall. For October 14, National Chess Day 2017, Shelby County Chess in Memphis, Tennessee, employed this theme to an enjoyably successful time. Each year, National Chess Day is meant to be a celebration of everything that brings this community together: exhibition, competition, a little silliness, and ultimately – play. Even being at the end of fall break for many of the students didn’t deter an excellent turnout of sixty players from Memphis, North Mississippi, and West Tennessee. Unrated sections brought out the youngest players (some even in Junior Kindergarten!) while US Chess rated quick sections were available for scholastic circuit regulars. The tournament itself was helmed by Michael Robertson, West Tennessee Regional Director of the Tennessee Chess Association, who helped provide additional flair and assistant TD, the one and only Matthew Horton. Special recognition goes out to the undefeated champions in each section: Josiah Hays (Rated Open); Shiven Sasipalli (Rated U500); and Allie Telfer, Omar Medina, & Matt Telfer (Co-Champions in the Unrated). As the afternoon waned and games drew to a close, the annual celebratory cake was served. A hooting-good time was had by all the wise owls who played chess. Until next year!