Barnet chess stars shine at Delancey UK Chess Challenge

On July 25, 700 of the UK’s most talented young chess players gathered at Sandown Park Racecourse for the Delancey UK Chess Challenge Gigafinals, one of the country’s biggest junior chess competition stages.

Lara De Boer, a student at Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, secured victory in the under-12 girls’ section after a playoff match against Ananya Patel from Watford Girls’ Grammar School.

Lara had previously qualified for the Gigafinals from the North London Megafinal at St Nicholas School, Elstree, while Ananya scored an excellent 6/7, including a dramatic win over her sister Aashna, who finished third and qualifies for the Challengers.

In the under-12 boys’ section, George Zhao from High Barnet, who attends Westminster Under School, finished as the runner-up.

George Zhao of High Barnet wins Delancey UK Schools Chess Challenge title (Image: Rahil Ahmadrahilahmad@hotmail.co.uk) Five players were tied on 6/7, but it was George who held his nerve in the playoff to earn a place in the Terafinal.

George had qualified from the North London Megafinal at Elm Court Youth and Community Centre, Potters Bar.

He is a two-time U10 Terafinal Champion (2022 and 2023) and a member of the Chess Trust’s Accelerator Programme.

Remarkably, this will be George’s sixth consecutive Terafinal appearance.

The Delancey UK Chess Challenge, founded in 1996, is a cornerstone of junior chess development in the UK, attracting thousands of young players from across the UK each year.

This year’s Gigafinals marked the penultimate stage of the competition.

Thousands of young players competed for a coveted place in the Terafinals, which are set to be held at Blenheim Palace in October.

Only 60 players qualify for the Terafinals, making it one of the UK’s toughest and most respected junior chess events.

Jamie Ritblat, founder and executive chairman of Delancey, said: “We are proud to support the UK’s brightest young chess talents through the UK Chess Challenge.

“Events like the Gigafinals not only showcase incredible skill and determination but also highlight the positive impact chess has on children’s problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.

“We look forward to seeing these young players continue to grow and inspire others as they advance to the Terafinals at Blenheim Palace.”

Sarah Longson, head coach and 2013 British Ladies champion, added: “This weekend was a true celebration of youth chess — the atmosphere was electric and the talent on display simply phenomenal.

“We’re incredibly proud of every single player who took part.

“Roll on the Terafinals.”