A 9-year-old boy from Wisconsin was officially dubbed a Chess Master this weekend.
At the young age of 13, Bobby Fischer became the youngest US Chess Master of his time. Since then, there have been an impressive wave of young chess masters. In 2010, 9-year-old Samuel Sevian stole the youngest title from Nicholas Nip, also 9. Now, there's a new wonder joining the ranks--Awonder Liang, of Madison.
The Dayton Daily News reported on the Midwest Open Team Chess festival held in Dayton where Awonder put his five years of chess playing to the test. Awonder has become the youngest chess master in the country, Riley Driver, the sponsor for the event and owner of the Dayton Chess Club, told the Daily News.
Michael Schauer, tournament director, said that Awonder earned his title by achieving a United States Chess Federation rank of 2200. "Some people study their whole life and never achieve it," he said of the rare achievement.
Awonder said, however, that reaching master status during the tournament wasn't his primary goal.
"I just try to do my best and I tried to play for a win," he told the Daily News.
Wherever Awonder's future may lead he'll hold the title of chess master for life.
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