PANAJI: AIM Ethan Vaz of Goa will represent India at Asian Schools Chess Championships 2021 (Under-11 Open). He qualified for the continental competition after a fine performance at the National Schools Chess Championship 2021 (Under-11 Open).
The fifth standard student of The Kings School remained undefeated at the National Schools competition, scoring 8 points out of possible 9, with 7 wins and 2 draws. A total of 582 players from across the country had participated in the tournament, stated a press communique.
In a nail-biting finish that saw as many as six players tied for the joint 1st-place, Ethan finished 4th on Buchholz tie-break score. Following a technical process being reviewed on Ethan’s appeal, a response about his final position is awaited from the arbiters.
“Nevertheless, owing to his top notch performance, Ethan is officially selected to represent India at the Asian Schools Chess Championships 2021 (Under-11 Open) to be organised online later this month by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and the International Chess Federation (FIDE),” added the press release.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without their blessings and unconditional support always,” said Ethan, who is being coached by Prakash Vikram Singh of Chess Guru Goa Academy, Margao.
Congratulating Ethan and describing him as a paragon, the chairman of The King’s School, Melvin Pereira said, “Being selected and earning the place to represent India is a worthy feat and we are thrilled and overjoyed. Ligia and I, and all of us at The King’s School wish Ethan all the very best in each of his games ahead.” “Here’s to you Ethan, our blue-chip boy!” he exclaimed.
Expressing joy on this occasion, the President of Goa Chess Association and Power Minister, Nilesh Cabral said, “We congratulate Ethan on his consistent performance, and for winning back-to-back honours for Goa by first qualifying for World Cup 2021 and now qualifying for Asian Schools Chess Championship 2021. It’s a great moment for Goan chess, and we are proud of his accomplishments!”
Goa Chess Association secretary, Kishor Bandekar and Treasurer, Vishwas Pilankar congratulated Ethan.
