Players live in the East Outer Drive neighborhood, a proud, working-class area. The event near Dallas runs through Sunday with about 1,000 players. Detroit News Staff Writer Brian Harmon is accompanying the team, which became state champions in February. The third-grader's match speeds toward its third hour. Judges have set a time limit.
Chess pieces click the board.
Prinston stands, leans his 45-pound frame over the board. Prinston's opponent, also 8, comes from Hiawatha Elementary in Okemos, near Lansing. On the line is a state chess championship for Wayne Elementary's youngest team. They are proof that children can overcome inner-city environments where the sound of gunfire is common. Wayne Elementary's players live in the East Outer Drive neighborhood, a proud, working-class area.