Seiyon, a talented young chess enthusiast from Singapore, has been a student of Chess Gaja Academy, training under the guidance of expert coaches. Recently, he had the unique opportunity to interact with GM Priyadharshan Kannappan, the founder of Chess Gaja, to share his inspiring chess journey.
In this blog, we take you through Seiyon’s interview with GM Priyadharshan, diving into his experiences, challenges, and aspirations. From his first encounter with the game to competing in tournaments and finding inspiration in top players, Seiyon’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in chess.
The Spark That Ignited a Passion
Two years ago, Seiyon’s chess journey began when his father introduced him to the game with a simple chessboard from a toy shop. What started as a casual activity soon became a serious pursuit.
“My parents showed me the game, and then it got more interesting, so I developed a greater interest,” Seiyon shared. Encouraged by his early successes in school tournaments, where he won medals, his love for the game grew stronger.
A Day in the Life of a Young Chess Player
Practicing chess is an integral part of Seiyon’s daily routine. Though he balances it with schoolwork, chess remains a priority. “I play most days but take breaks when needed for my studies,” he explained.
He also represents his school in chess tournaments, which he describes as a great learning experience. “Yes, I have a school team where I train and play for tournaments,” he added with pride.
Finding Inspiration in Chess Icons
Like many young players, Seiyon looks up to top professionals for inspiration. Praggnanandhaa, the Indian chess prodigy, is his role model.
“He’s won many affiliated players, and he’s one of the top ten best players in chess,” Seiyon said, reflecting on how following the games of elite players has helped him understand advanced strategies and tactics.
Lessons from a Favorite Game
During his interview with GM Priyadharshan, Seiyon shared one of his favorite games, played with the white pieces. His opening move was e4, adhering to classic principles of chess.
When asked about his decision to move his bishop to c4, he said, “I always follow the opening principles.” This highlights his solid understanding of chess fundamentals.
Even when he faced setbacks, such as dropping a piece, Seiyon maintained confidence in his position. “I thought I was a bit more powerful because my queen was very close to his king, and most of my pieces were developed,” he noted. This resilience reflects his growing maturity as a chess player.
Stepping into the Competitive Arena
Seiyon recently competed in the 65th National Interschool Team Chess Championship, where his team secured second place in the international school category.
“It was a great experience,” he said. Recalling the intense pressure of his final game, which lasted over an hour, he demonstrated remarkable focus and determination.
Excitement for the World Chess Championship
With the World Chess Championship approaching in Singapore, Seiyon shared his excitement for the event. As a fan of Gukesh, who will be challenging reigning champion Ding Liren, he’s particularly thrilled to witness the rising stars of chess in action.
“Gukesh is also young, like Praggnanandhaa,” Seiyon said, underscoring his admiration for these prodigious talents.
World Championship Excitement
With the world championship match approaching in Singapore, Seon expressed his excitement about the event. He is particularly supportive of Gukesh, who will challenge Ding Liren, the current champion.
“Gukesh is also young, like Praggnanandhaa,” he remarked, showing his enthusiasm for the rising stars in the chess world.
Support That Makes the Journey Possible
Seiyon credits his parents for playing a pivotal role in his chess journey. His father, who had basic knowledge of the game, was the one who introduced him to it.
“We bought a chessboard from a toy shop, and I taught him the basic moves. He showed great interest and started beating other players,” his father recalled.
The lack of comprehensive chess programs in Singapore schools led them to seek external training. After exploring various online options, they discovered Chess Gaja Academy. “We’ve seen significant improvements in his performance and enthusiasm for chess,” his father said, highlighting the effectiveness of structured training.
Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Seon’s journey in chess is just beginning, but with the support of his family and the right training, he is well on his way to achieving great things in the game.
As they continue to navigate the chess landscape in Singapore, Seon’s story serves as an inspiration for young players everywhere. With passion and dedication, the future of chess looks bright for this young achiever.
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