Can You Beat A Ten Year Old At Chess?

Fundraiser at Waterstones for charity fighting blindness

A ten-year old Chiswick boy who is a Chess champion, is pitting his skills against locals of any age in a bid to raise money for a charity fighting blindness.

Christopher Tombolis is the British Under 8 Chess champion and the reigning Under 10 London Junior champion and on Sunday 7th  February from 2-5 pm at Waterstones, Chiswick High Road, he will be taking on anybody who wants a game.

A pupil at Colet Court, his ambition is to be a Chess Grand Master. Christopher's school year has been given a challenge by their head of year Mr Young, to raise money for retinitis pigmentosa fighting blindness. The charity was chosen by all the boys in Christopher's year as someone knows a young boy who is losing his sight due to the condition. They have until 23rd February to increase the £3 they were given by Mr Young. 

The games will be in a Blitz format (speed chess) with each player getting 3 minutes on the clock. The cost to play Christopher will be £1 per game (minimum £1, or any other higher donation) with all proceeds going to RP Fighting Blindness (RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA FIGHTING BLINDNESS). The charity has published details of the event on their website

Christopher has watched top chess grand masters such as Magnus Carlsten, the current world champion, play several simultaneous chess games blindfolded, but cannot imagine doing this himself yet. 

His family have also set up a JustGiving page for people who want to support him and the charity but cannot be there on the day.  Win or lose, every player that can play will get a certificate following their game with Christopher.