Checkmate! Zoe's Knight to Remember in Canberra - The Hobart / Launceston Magazine

Checkmate! Zoe’s Knight to Remember in Canberra

by James Marten

Zoe Meredith is a school student from Hobart. She is now also the Australian Junior Under 12 Girls Blitz Chess Champion for 2026, having recently taken out the title in Canberra.

Congratulations on becoming the Australian Junior Under 12 Girls Blitz Chess Champion! Tell us about your winning moment.

It felt nice to win because I didn’t expect to, and it came down to a bit of luck at the end. I hadn’t been keeping track of the scores during the tournament so I didn’t realise that I had won until the presentation ceremony! It was a big surprise.

How did you get into chess? How long have you played for?

My Mum taught me how to play when I was quite small, but I first went to the Hobart Junior Chess Club in late 2023, because my Mum thought I might like to play chess with other kids. So, really, I’ve been playing regularly since 2023 when I was eight years old.

What’s the chess community like in Tasmania? Do you have coaches, clubs, or training partners who’ve helped you along the way?

The Tasmanian chess community is kind and supportive and they are all very nice people. My chess coach Carl who lives in Launceston has been a big help. James and his team from Black Square Chess, along with the Hobart Chess Club members, have also really helped me to improve and encouraged me to succeed.

What is your favourite opening move or strategy?

I like an attacking style of play so I like playing the Spanish opening.

How do you balance chess training with school and other activities? How much time do you spend each week playing or training?

I play chess online, and have coaching and chess club after school, and I often play in tournaments on weekends. I spend several hours practising and then tournaments might go for a few hours to a few days!

Now that you’re the Australian champion in your age group, what are your goals for the future? Do you dream of becoming a Grandmaster one day?

I’d like to work towards getting a chess title one day. Maybe even a Grandmaster title!

Finally, what is your next move?

I’d like to keep improving and to win my division in the Tasmanian junior rapid and classical tournaments again this year.

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