Chess Happenings in and Around Madurai

Madurai is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for a series of chess tournaments next month! Here's a quick rundown of what's happening:

#### Upcoming Tournaments in January 2025

1. 15th Chennai GM Open

- Dates: January 2, 2025 – January 9, 2025

- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

- Categories: Open, Category A (Above 2000), Category B (Below 2000)

- Prize Money: ₹30,00,000 for Category A, ₹15,00,000 for Category B

2. Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Goa GM Tournament

- Dates: January 11, 2025 – January 19, 2025

- Location: Goa

- Categories: Open, Category A (Above 2000), Category B (Below 2000)

- Prize Money: ₹30,00,000 for Category A, ₹15,00,000 for Category B

3. Golden Knights Chess Academy 2nd International FIDE Rating Open Chess Tournament

- Dates: January 26, 2025 – January 31, 2025

- Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu

- Categories: Open, Category A (Above 2000), Category B (Below 2000)

- Prize Money: ₹50,00,000 for Category A, ₹25,00,000 for Category B

Registration Details

To register for these tournaments, visit the official websites of the respective tournament organizers or contact the local chess clubs in Madurai. Registration typically involves filling out an online form and paying the entry fee.

Spotlight on a Budding Chess Talent

One young chess talent making headlines is Ashwath Kaushik, an 8-year-old prodigy from Singapore. Ashwath recently defeated a grandmaster in a classical chess tournament, becoming the youngest player in history to accomplish this feat. His victory at the 22nd Burgdorfer Stadthaus Open in Switzerland was a brilliant attacking game that showcased his exceptional talent.

Achievements

- Defeated a Grandmaster: Ashwath defeated 37-year-old Polish GM Jacek Stopa at the 22nd Burgdorfer Stadthaus Open.

- Triple Gold at Eastern Asian Youth Championship: Won triple gold at the Eastern Asian Youth Championship while still only 6 years old.

- Multiple Tournament Wins: Ashwath has clinched several tournament victories, demonstrating his tactical sharpness and photographic memory.

Coaching and Training

Ashwath's journey to success has been supported by a combination of structured coaching and self-driven practice. He receives personalised guidance and mentorship from the Singapore Chess Federation CEO GM Kevin Goh. His training regimen includes:

- Tactical Training: Regular practice with tactical puzzles to improve pattern recognition and calculation speed.

- Strategic Development: Learning strategic concepts and planning to navigate complex positions confidently.

- Game Analysis: Reviewing his own games and analysing mistakes to continuously improve.

- Online Platforms: Utilising online chess platforms for practice and competition against players from around the world.

Ashwath's dedication and passion for the game, combined with effective coaching, have paved the way for his remarkable achievements. He serves as an inspiration for young chess players everywhere.

Are you excited to see how Ashwath's career will progress in the future?