Morgan Rath (15) from Carlswald scooped the number one position after participating in the chess league for individuals in District 9.
The Grade 10 learner from Glen Austin High School has made her school proud after winning a gold medal and a trophy.
She said the competition was nerve-wracking as she did not know what her opponents’ strategies were.
“It was a pleasant match for me and enjoyable. I believe my fellow teammates have helped me grow to be where I am now. I did not expect that I will get the number one spot because there are quite good players in the district and even here, at the school,” said Morgan.
The soft-spoken and humble girl said she does not feel any pressure going into this year’s competition.
Asked how much pressure winning put on her ahead of this year’s competition, she said she finds enjoyment in the game and not any pressure.
“In the game of chess, you are not guaranteed that you will constantly be number one because of your previous wins. No one can definitely say because you were previously the best, then you have to be number one all the time. I believe I am very good at identifying tactics that expose my opponents’ strategies,” she added.
When she was in Grade 3, Morgan’s uncle taught her the game and she is thankful for that.
Other coaches later on also helped her polish her skills and tactical application.
She said she watches the game online because, since high school, she has grown in leaps and bounds.
Morgan mentions that watching top-rated chess players such as Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura online has also helped her improve.
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