On The Up: Hawke’s Bay siblings, 5 and 10, make waves in the local chess scene

Detailed summary

Vanessa and Albert Crabtree practise their chess moves at home. Photo / Jack Riddell Albert Crabtree, 5, from Taradale Primary School, won the Year 4 Hastings District Junior…

Vanessa and Albert Crabtree practise their chess moves at home. Photo / Jack Riddell

A Hawke’s Bay brother-sister duo are making waves in the local chess scene.

Albert Crabtree, 5, from Taradale Primary School, won the Year 4 Hastings District Junior Chess Tournament on October 30, despite being several years younger than his rivals.

Sister Vanessa, 10, came third in the Year 5 category of the same competition, but has had success against adults and older children at the chess club.

Albert said he wasn’t intimidated by his older competitors, who were aged between 7 and 8.

Dad Daniel said his son was shy during matches because he took his time and chose his moves carefully.

“The other boy had three moves in a row, and Albert was a bit shy to raise his hand and complain about it, but Albert still won that game.”

Albert was inspired to pick up the “game of kings” after watching Daniel and Vanessa playing.

Daniel started taking the siblings to the Hawke’s Bay Chess Club at Havelock North High School on Wednesday evenings.

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