SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Raia: Goa’s Ethan Vaz bagged a double gold medal haul and was crowned champion in the U-10 category at the Western Asia Online Chess Championship 2021, organised by Chess Federation of Sri Lanka under the auspices of Asian Chess Federation and International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Defending his Western Asia Championship title of 2019 (U-8 Open) where he had won the gold medal for India, the Goan chess prodigy earned both the gold medals that were up for grabs this time, viz. individual gold as well as team gold for India.
Bouncing back strongly after an early loss in the second round, Ethan fought hard and played outstanding chess, winning 7 straight matches to emerge as the Champion with 8 points of possible 9.
Expressing joy on the accomplishment, the President of Goa Chess Association and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar said, "We congratulate Ethan on his consistent performance, winning two more gold medals for India and making Goa proud yet again. It's a great moment for Goan chess, and we are thrilled at his streak of accomplishments at national and international level!"
"Ethan has made everyone proud by winning medals at State, National, Western Asia, Asian Schools, and World Chess Championships. He is a role model for young chess players, and we are proud of him," said Sharendra Naik, the Secretary of GCA.
In other notable performances by Goan players at the event, Diya Sawal and Edrick Vaz finished in the top 10, in the U-8 girls and U-12 Open categories respectively, both securing the ninth rank in their respective categories, with a creditable score of 6.5 points each.
A total of 898 players from 16 West Asian Countries had participated in the event across all categories.
