Young chess players from the San Francisco Bay Area took Maribor, Slovenia by storm this November. Their dominating performance at the World Youth Chess Championships once again proved that the best scholastic chess in the country takes place in Northern, California.
Cameron Wheeler’s silver medal performance at the 2012 World Youth Chess Championship is the top chess achievement for the remarkable Cupertino twelve year old. Chris Torres, Scholastic Director for Calchess, could not be prouder of Cameron’s performance:
“What Cameron was able to accomplish at the 2012 World Youth Chess Championship was simply remarkable. For several, years fans of Northern California chess have watched Cameron blossom into the incredible chess player he is. Now there is no doubt that his name belongs listed with the greatest chess players California has ever produced.”
Cameron was the sole leader at the 2012 World Youth Chess Championships for many rounds and was only eclipsed late in the tournament by fellow Northern California chess prodigy Samuel Sevian.
Samuel Sevian was a favorite among chess analysts to win gold at the 2012 World Youth Chess Championship for the twelve and under group. Sam, a Santa Clara resident, became the youngest U.S. player ever to achieve the title of chess master when he was just nine years old. Now at age 12, he proved himself to be the best chess player in world by defeating his friend, Cameron Wheeler, in a hard fought round 10. According to Chris Torres, “The amazing thing about Sam is he never seems to be nearing his peak in chess. If he continues along this path, the soon to be International Master has a chance to accomplish achievements in chess not seen from an American since Bobby Fischer.”
The Bay Area was also very strong in the under eight section. Ben Rood, a Walnut Creek native, only missed earning a medal by a hair in his second attempt at winning the World Youth Chess Championships . His 8/11 score was good enough to tie for fourth and place ninth over-all. His coach Chris Torres says of Ben’s performance:
“I know the kid really wanted to win this event so falling a little short was difficult for him. I am incredibly proud of his top ten performance which included defeating several FIDE titled players as well the European Gold Medalist in the final round. Had the pairings been a little kinder, I am sure he would be wearing a medal.”
Cameron, Samuel, and Ben are proudly carrying on a fine tradition of top level youth chess in the San Francisco Bay Area. If your child is interested in chess, Chris Torres recommends visiting his webpage www.ChessAndMusic.com as well as the main page for Calchess which is http://www.Calchess.org.
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