A wonderfully reported account of two young prodigies. The story is in many ways similar to that of the Polgar sisters, who went on to become chess grandmasters (the sexist term is )still applied to top women players.
The Polgars are studied and discussed in the nature/nurture debate without resolving the question. What seems true is the benefit of early exposure to the game and encouragement from parents as demands of the efforts required to develop talent increase.
By the way, among other great chess players, The region can claim one junior prodigy, Nigel Short, who reached the highest level in the game, competing for the Ultimate prize of world champion.
For context, I’m still in touch with Nigel. I had the strange experience of losing to him twice when he was a schoolboy and having him explain patiently what I should have done!
Wow! What a story, and what quality journalism. The young ladies and their mum come across as completely lovely people, unspoilt, patently clever and modest when they could quite possibly be full of braggadocio. The reporting concentrated purely on their achievements and approach to their craft and I utterly commend that. Additionally, the refreshing fact that the English chess team appear to only reward players with a place on the team based solely on performance and nothing else was good to read. That really gives me hope that player of other sports might be treated equally as well going forward. This has really brightened my morning. Well done Dani, and best of luck to the two young ladies with their chess!
A wonderfully reported account of two young prodigies. The story is in many ways similar to that of the Polgar sisters, who went on to become chess grandmasters (the sexist term is )still applied to top women players.
The Polgars are studied and discussed in the nature/nurture debate without resolving the question. What seems true is the benefit of early exposure to the game and encouragement from parents as demands of the efforts required to develop talent increase.
By the way, among other great chess players, The region can claim one junior prodigy, Nigel Short, who reached the highest level in the game, competing for the Ultimate prize of world champion.
Hi Tudor, would we be able to include this comment in our Letters section for Monday? We just need the area where you live. Best, Dani
For context, I’m still in touch with Nigel. I had the strange experience of losing to him twice when he was a schoolboy and having him explain patiently what I should have done!
I’m in Stockport (SK71QQ). Keep up the good work.
Wow! What a story, and what quality journalism. The young ladies and their mum come across as completely lovely people, unspoilt, patently clever and modest when they could quite possibly be full of braggadocio. The reporting concentrated purely on their achievements and approach to their craft and I utterly commend that. Additionally, the refreshing fact that the English chess team appear to only reward players with a place on the team based solely on performance and nothing else was good to read. That really gives me hope that player of other sports might be treated equally as well going forward. This has really brightened my morning. Well done Dani, and best of luck to the two young ladies with their chess!
You must congratulate our wonderful Mollie Simpson for the piece! She's the author of this one, I take no credit.
Gah! Sorry Mollie - misread it, but many congratulation to her!