Chess tournament draws young players

Helias freshman Samuel Fedorchalk considers a move Thursday during chess club practice at the school. Chess club members will be participating in the Missouri Scholastic Chess Championship Tournament today at Capitol Plaza Hotel.
Helias freshman Samuel Fedorchalk considers a move Thursday during chess club practice at the school. Chess club members will be participating in the Missouri Scholastic Chess Championship Tournament today at Capitol Plaza Hotel.

For the past few weeks, freshman Ian Freeland has been spending up to six hours a day playing chess online and watching Grand Masters on YouTube.

Just more than a year ago, Freeland took up the game of chess. And it was only a few months ago when his devotion took root.

"I thought I might as well get serious about it," Freeland said.

Part of his enthusiasm was kindled after attending his first tournament, he said.

Today, he's competing for a second year in the State Scholastic Tournament.