Young Chess Prodigy Tamizh Amudhan Triumphs in Online Championship Amidst Power Outage in Chennai

CHENNAI: Young Chess Prodigy Shines Amidst Stormy Night

In a remarkable display of determination and skill, eight-year-old Tamizh Amudhan from Kallakurichi made headlines during a torrential downpour in Thiruthangal, Sivakasi, on Friday night. As rain lashed the neighborhood and power outages plunged the area into darkness, Tamizh found a way to compete in the Freestyle Friday online chess championship, facing off against none other than Germany’s Vincent Keymer, the World No. 7.

The evening began with a power cut at 6 PM, just as Tamizh and his father, Sathish Arumugam, returned from the Hatsun Chess Academy, where Tamizh trains rigorously. With only 48% battery left on his laptop, the duo quickly improvised, using a mobile hotspot to stay connected. “The tournament was at 8 PM, and we knew he could manage three or four games,” Sathish explained.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Tamizh was undeterred. “He said he would play as many games as possible until the battery died,” his father recounted. The young chess enthusiast, who recently became the youngest player to cross the 2000+ Elo rating mark, stunned Keymer in the opening round, showcasing his talent and composure under pressure. With just 14 seconds left on Keymer’s clock and a minute remaining for Tamizh, the victory felt monumental. “It felt really good to see that result,” said a proud Sathish.

Tamizh, who took to chess at the age of four, has already made significant strides in his young career, winning four silver medals and a bronze at the 27th Asian Youth Chess Championship 2025. His family has made considerable sacrifices to support his journey, with his parents taking turns staying in Thiruthangal to ensure he can train without disruption.

“I wasn’t worried when the power went out,” Tamizh said, exuding confidence and joy. After his games, he turned his attention to the IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, embodying the spirit of a true sports enthusiast.

As the rain continued to pour outside, it was clear that neither thunder nor darkness could dampen the spirit of this young chess prodigy. Tamizh Amudhan’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the unwavering support of family, proving that even in the face of adversity, greatness can shine through.