Ruthphidale School shines at British International School Chess Competition

On the 7th of March, 2026, the British International School (BIS), Lagos, successfully hosted its annual Inter-School Chess Championship.

The event, held on the school premises in Victoria Island, witnessed a remarkable turnout of 28 reputable primary schools and 18 Secondary school. RUTHPHIDALE School made its debut appearance in the competition, participating exclusively in the primary school category. Against schools with established chess traditions, RUTHPHIDALE delivered an exceptional performance, securing a commendable 13th position a significant achievement for a first-time entrant.

The primary school category featured intense competition among 28 schools from across Lagos. Each school fielded four players, competing in a 6-round Swiss system format.

As a debutant in the competition, RUTHPHIDALE faced the challenge of competing against schools with years of chess experience. The team rose to the occasion admirably.

RUTHPHIDALE team demonstrated remarkable composure and skill. Their efforts culminated in a final standing of 13th place a highly credible result for a first-time participant and a strong foundation for future competitions.

A pivotal moment in the tournament came during the 5th round when RUTHPHIDALE faced the host school, British International Junior School. In a thrilling encounter, player Micheal Johnson delivered a decisive checkmate, securing a crucial win that significantly advanced the school’s position on the leaderboard.

The final round saw the entire RUTHPHIDALE team playing with heightened excitement and determination. The players delivered another checkmate victory, providing a perfect and memorable finish to their debut campaign. This final flourish cemented their 13th-place finish and left the team proud of their accomplishment.

The BIS Inter-School Chess Championship 2026 was a resounding success, promoting intellectual development and healthy competition. For RUTHPHIDALE School, the tournament marked a historic debut. Finishing 13th out of 28 schools, defeating the host school, and ending the tournament with a decisive victory in the final round are testaments to the talent and potential within the team.

The performance of Oni Olakunmi, Folarin Gbolahun, Ani Chibuke, and Micheal Johnson has laid a strong foundation for RUTHPHIDALE’s chess future. The experience gained and the results achieved signal the arrival of a competitive new force in Lagos school chess.