Ethan Tamariki (11, left) does battle with Tyrone McLeod (9) during the New Zealand Chess Federation Four-Player Team Championship event at SIT Hansen Hall in Invercargill on Saturday. Photo: Luisa Girao
Forty-four pupils from years 1 to 6 took part in the tournament.
The winner qualified for the nationals in September in Palmerston North.
Invercargill-Southland Chess Club co-founder Edward Lee said the sport was growing in popularity.
"We have been part of the joint Otago-Southland Interschool Chess Region, but now - due to the increase in chess playing activity in the area - we are classified as a new region. That is a great achievement."
He said this change helped to attract younger players.
"This is the first time we have primary students trying to qualify."
The championship for years 7 and 8 pupils would will be held at ILT Stadium Southland next weekend, he said.
