Killara chess prodigy Anton Smirnov takes on world’s best
Local News 11 Jan 13 @ 12:01am by Rohan Smith
KILLARA local and 11-year-old chess phenomenon Anton Smirnov carried a weight of expectation into his home tournament this week – but his small shoulders were up to the task.
More than 170 brilliant young chess minds from around the country have gathered for Australia’s premier chess tournament at Norths Leagues Club in Cammeray from January 2-13 for the crowning of the Australian Open chess champion.
One of a number of talented local hopes, Smirnov entered the tournament as the world’s highest ranked player to be born after 2000.
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The son of International Master Vladimir Smirnov said he still gets nervous but “only against stronger opponents”.
Fresh off a win at the Australasian Masters Tournament in Melbourne, in which he defeated higher ranked players including his father, Anton said he had not played his best chess this week.
“I didn’t really play that well so far,” Anton said.
Norths Chess Club president Paul Glissan said his “prodigy” was being modest.
“He’s from a different galaxy, he’s a supernova,” Mr Glissan said.
“He’s a Wolfgang Mozart. He’s exceptional.”
Champions across four events will be named on Sunday.
North Leagues Club donated the venue for the event and Gina Rinehart donated $5000 for first and second prizes at Mr Glissan’s written request.
Source: http://north-shore-times.whereilive.com.au
The next Carlsen!
understanding how the chess pieces works in its relation to friendly and enemy pieces is what makes a good game thus a good player