Cecco Angiolieri of Siena third at the 2024 School Chess Trophy. 1,750 participants, 324 teams, 400 companions, managers, referees and organizers: these are the numbers of the 2024 School Chess Trophy which took place in Montesilvano (PE) from 12 to 15 May .
An event organized in grand style by the Italian Chess Federation which gave rise to an event whose dimensions certainly do not make one think of a ‘minor sport’. Numbers that are starting to cause some (welcome) organizational problems.
The feat of Cecco Angiolieri from Siena at the School Chess Trophy appears remarkable; the Sienese team conquered the podium after a stubborn chase, culminating with a brilliant victory in the last round which projected it to 3rd place overall. The tournament, for the record, was won by Palmanova, with Fermo in 2nd place. On its way, Cecco also met, and beat, the representative of Marostica. On this occasion, the managers of the two city clubs laid the foundations for a twinning, for now only chess-related, but who knows, maybe one day the municipal administrations won’t consider some initiative in different fields.
And here is the composition of the Cecco Angiolieri team: Orlando Pin (at this level a champion, he has lived up to expectations), Gabriele Timo (who confirmed he has great potential), Lucas Mocciola (constantly growing), Lavinia Almarai (brilliant play , something still to be refined in terms of precision), Tommaso Betti (always very present in the moments that count, a pleasant discovery), Samuele Di Benedetto (less trained than the others, he still gave 100% and brought home important points) . Captain and trainer Alessandro Patelli, also responsible for the Chess Section of Mens Sana and Cral MPS; accompanying manager: Professor Antonella Moretti.
For the province of Siena, the “Marmocchi” institute of Poggibonsi and the “Mencarelli” of Chianciano Terme also participated. An important experience for everyone in view of the summer youth events; from 29 June to 7 July, in Salsomaggiore, the final phase of the Italian youth championship will take place. Mens Sana Scacchi – Cral Mps will participate with over 30 boys, admitted to the final phase through the provincial qualifying tournaments.
