Candlelight Victory: Young Chess Prodigy Tamizh Amudhan Stuns Grandmaster Vincent Keymer Amid Power Outage in Thiruthangal
Rain Can’t Dampen Young Chess Prodigy’s Spirit: Tamizh Amudhan Shines in Online Tournament
Thiruthangal, Sivakasi — As rain lashed the small town of Thiruthangal on Friday night, power outages left many in darkness. Yet, for eight-year-old Tamizh Amudhan, the storm was no match for his determination. With a candle flickering beside him and his father’s mobile phone providing a hotspot, Tamizh logged into the Freestyle Friday blitz tournament, ready to face the world.
At the other end of the virtual chessboard sat Germany’s Vincent Keymer, the World No. 7 and a formidable opponent with an Elo rating of 2759. But Tamizh, playing with the black pieces, stunned the 21-year-old grandmaster in the very first round, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
From Sivakasi to the World Stage
Tamizh, currently ranked World No. 1 in the Under-9 category, moved to Thiruthangal just a year ago to train at the Hatsun Chess Academy in Sivakasi. The 350-kilometer journey from his home in Kallakurichi was a considerable sacrifice for his family, but one they embraced wholeheartedly to nurture his passion for chess.
His father, Sathish Arumugam, recounted the evening’s events to Times of India. “We returned from the academy around 6 PM when the power went out. With only 48% battery left on the laptop, we knew he could play only a few games. Yet, Tamizh was determined. He said he would play as many games as possible until the battery died,” Sathish recalled.
A Night of Triumph
Tamizh’s resolve paid off. He managed to play five rounds, winning three, before his laptop finally succumbed to the low battery. “Beating a player of Keymer’s calibre felt incredibly rewarding,” Sathish said, pride evident in his voice. When asked if he was worried during the power cut, Tamizh simply smiled and replied, “No, I wasn’t worried at all.” He then turned his attention back to the IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, showcasing his youthful spirit.
A Journey of Sacrifice and Success
Tamizh’s journey in chess began at the tender age of four. Over the past year, he has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including four silver medals and one bronze at the 27th Asian Youth Chess Championship 2025. His family has made significant sacrifices, with his parents taking turns to stay with him in Sivakasi, ensuring he trains without interruption.
This candlelight victory against a world-class opponent has become a powerful symbol of focus, passion, and the magic that unfolds when a child refuses to give up. As Tamizh continues to rise in the chess world, his story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that even in the darkest of times, determination can light the way.
(With inputs from TOI)