Historic chess victory shows Sing’s escalating expertise

TEENAGE chess talent Caleb Sing has made history by becoming the youngest winner of the Bendigo Chess Club Sam Rendell Memorial Club Championship.

His achievement is extra impressive in that, at the age of 15, he had already gained an unbeatable lead with one round remaining in the five-round tournament.

Along the way he outplayed some of Bendigo’s most seasoned chess players, including his coach Ruari Coffey, who was the victor last year.

The final results of the Championship were Sing prevailing with a score of 5/5, Ruari Coffey finishing second with 3.5/5, Leigh Healey scoring 2.5/5, Nigel Barrow 2/5, then Max Mollard and another up-and-coming youngster, Liam Rankin, both scoring 1/5.

Andre Sardone, Sing’s mentor and the founder of community chess group Chess on the Hill, where the gifted junior got his start, said it’s a remarkable feat.

“I remember Caleb coming along as a 12 year old,” he said.

“He was very reserved, he wouldn’t look you in the eye.

“As his chess strength has progressed, he’s grown much more confidence in himself.

“It’s done a lot for him – he’s really blossomed and it’s been wonderful to watch.”

Sing said he enjoys chess because it is fun and strategic.

“It’s more being tactical and seeing the ideas of your opponents,” he said.

“It’s mostly fun and you get to meet new people and come to the Old Church on the Hill and play.”

He said it takes concentration and persistence, problem solving and thinking ahead to do well in what he described as a game of “psychological warfare”.

Sardone said it would be incredible if Sing can continue progressing.

“Some people just get chess and have a love for it and I think being homeschooled has been part of it for Caleb,” he said.

“I’m very proud of everything he’s doing – obviously, he’s a very smart kid with high ambitions and I can’t wait to see how far he goes.”

Sing’s goal is to keep playing more FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) classical tournaments and trying to get a title.

“Hopefully, I’ll travel overseas one day and play in a famous tournament like the Oceania Youth Championship,” he said.

Sardone said he’d love to see more young people coming to have a go at Chess on the Hill, which convenes at the Quarry Hill venue every Sunday from 10am to 12pm.

“It’s becoming a really popular place for people to come and play socially,” he said.

“We get teenagers and young people in their 20s, young families, even toddlers sitting here learning their first games.

“We’re also starting to get a lot of 9, 10, 11 year olds.

“I think a lot of them might be at home playing chess on their computer or their iPad or phone.

“They come along and see the social side of it and I love that so much – I think it’s great for them to come and play in real life.”