Oregon’s First Woman Grandmaster in Chess: An Interview with Zoey Tang

The 2024 American Cup in St. Louis, MO was a historic event for Oregon’s chess community as Zoey Tang, a junior at Westview High School in Beaverton, made headlines by becoming the first Oregonian to achieve the title of “woman grandmaster.” Zoey, who has been playing chess since she was 7 years old, shared her thoughts on the achievement and her future goals in an interview with OPB’s Dave Miller on Think Out Loud.

During the interview, Zoey recounted the moment she achieved the rank of woman grandmaster, describing the pressure and excitement of the final tournament where she secured her third and final norm for the title. Despite narrowly missing out on winning the entire tournament, Zoey expressed her joy at attaining the prestigious title.

When asked about the significance of being a woman grandmaster, Zoey highlighted the rarity of the title and its status as the highest female title in chess. She also discussed the debate surrounding separate categories for women in chess, acknowledging the encouragement these titles can provide while also recognizing the implicit message of inferiority.

Looking ahead, Zoey shared her goal of pushing herself to her limits and potentially aiming for the open grandmaster title. She also reflected on her journey in chess, from joining a chess club in second grade to starting the Puddletown Chess Club in 2022 to share her love of the game with others.

As Oregon’s two-time state champion in chess, Zoey emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, particularly in her endgame skills. Despite her success, she remains humble and eager to learn and grow as a player.

Overall, Zoey Tang’s story is one of determination, passion, and a commitment to excellence in the world of chess. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring chess players and a testament to the power of dedication and hard work in pursuing one’s dreams.