World Cadets 2017: Travelling 9000 miles in quest for gold!

Dev, Shivika and Divya lead the Indian charge

That chess is indeed emerging as one of the global sports is evident here in the Brazilian city of Pocos de Caldas as 419 players from more than 40 federation affiliated to FIDE have descended to claim supremacy in the three categories (Under-08/10/12 – Open & Girls) of the World Cadets Chess Championship in progress here at the convention centre of Hotel Golden Park from 22 - 31 August 2017.

In a nation known for its footballing prowess, it is indeed surprising that chess is the limelight with participation of the cream of chess talents across the world. And, one of the strongest contender for these titles – the Indian contingent of 20 players has travelled more than 9000 miles (14,500 km) in their quest for gold!

Under-08 Open: 72 players

Mishra Abhimanyu (1774) of USA is the sole leader with 5/5 and he is closely followed by compatriot, Wong Steve of USA (1732): 4.5/5.

The Indian duo of Ilamparthi and Priansh jointly occupying the 3rd position with a score of 4.0/5. Daevik Wadhwani is on 3.0/5

Complete list of rankings

Under – 08 Girls: 51 players

WCM Rouda Essa of UAE and Chen Yining of China jointly leads this section with a score of 4.5/5 while un-rated Saineha is occupying 3rd spot with a score of 4/5 and is unbeaten. Sneha Halder is on 3.5/5, while WCM Shefali A.N, who began as the 15th seed is on 3.0/5.

Complete list

Under-10 Open: 88 players

Dev Shah jointly leads the field with a score of 4.5/5 along with along with Xu Arthur and Zhou Liran of USA while Bharath is sharing the 2nd spot jointly 4.0/5. Shahil Dey (1810, 16th seed) is on 3.0/5 and Praneeth V (1579, 42nd seed) is on 2.5/6

Complete list

Under – 10 Girls: 57 players:

Her coach Prasenjit Dutta is naturally happy with her student's performance:

Shivika Rohilla leads the field jointly with WCM Ivanova Dilyana of Bulgaria with a score of 4.5/5. While Savitha Shri and Sahit Varshini are lying in 3rd spot with a score of 3.5/5.

Under-12 Open: 93 players

This is the strongest category with one of the world’s emerging talent, Sindarov Javokhir of Uzbekista heading the field with an enviable rating of 2399. As expected of the player of his calibre, he is the sole leader with cent percent score. He is the chased by the US duo of Yoo Christopher (2242) and Eidelman Gabriel (1884) with a score of 4.5/5.

This is the category where Indians have a lot of catching to do and we expect a strong finish from CM Rohith Krishna who has scored 3.5/5. Manish Anto Cristiano and Pranesh M. are on 2.5/5.

 Under – 12 Girls: 58 players:

With a score of 4.5/5, WFM Divya Deshmukh is leading the section jointly with with Vu Bui (1612) of Vietnam while the top-seeded Indian, Rakshitta Ravi suffered two back-to-back defeats after a strong start and is now on 3.0/5 along with Bhagyashree Patil. Dhyana Patel has scored 3.5/5 and is occupying the 3rd spot.

The biggest challenge for Indians to play in this part of the world is the high cost of air-travel and lodging for the accompanying person. As a result, participation of Indians was by far and few when the event was held in South America. However, thanks to the initiative of the All India Chess Federation and the Sports Authority of India, the lodging expenses of players ranked 2nd and 3rd along with the first player in national has been provided. This has enabled participation of more number of Indian players for the event.

The Indian team used the rest-day to rejuvenate with a city tour as the fight for the medals is expected to be intensified in the 2nd half of the championship.

About the author

FI Praful Zaveri is the founder of Indian Chess School Academy. He is a popular trainer in Mumbai and also the author of the critically acclaimed Chess Course book for beginners. His vision is to build the chess culture in his hometown Mumbai as well as India and help the country produce many more grandmasters in future.