LAMORINDA WEEKLY | 10-Year-Old Del Rey Student Qualifies for Chess Championships


Hans Niemann Photo provided

Del Rey Elementary School student Hans Niemann, age 10, has qualified to play in the World Youth Chess Championships in Durban South Africa. He was the youngest winner of a recent Mechanics Institute Chess Club tournament in its 159 year history.

A letter from the United States Chess Federation arrived at Hans' door April 22 informing him that he qualified to play in the 2014 World Youth Chess Championships in the Open Under 12 Section. "Should you accept this invitation," wrote Jerry Nash, USCF special projects and national education consultant, "you will have the opportunity to compete as a member of an elite team of players and coaches who will represent the United States in Durban, South Africa, from September 18-30."

The letter went on to congratulate Hans as one of the top rated players in his age group in the United States. "You can be proud of the results of your hard work. You are certainly to be congratulated for this milestone in your life."