My chess ambitions got bigger after World Rapid amateur title — Omoruyi

Nigerian chess prodigy Sandra Omoruyi, only 16 years old, has set her sights on bigger challenges after clinching the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship in Abuja in August. In an interview with EBENEZER BAJELA, she opens up about her journey, dedication, and aspirations in chess and medicine. Sandra attributes her early chess education to her father, who coached her initially, followed by her siblings and present coach Edward Eguavoe Evbuomwan, known as "Coach Eddy."

She credits several other mentors like Coach Ann, Coach Marian, Coach Ben, Coach Illoba, Coach Nosa, and Coach Segun for their roles in her development.

Initially, Sandra was just playing chess for enjoyment and learning. However, after winning the MVP award at the Youth Games, she realized her potential to excel at the highest levels. This realization ignited her ambition to compete for the World Amateur Championship title. One of the biggest hurdles Sandra faced was limited access to tournaments due to financial constraints and insecurity issues in Nigeria, especially as a minor player.

Her first major tournament was the National Chess Championship, which was daunting but ultimately a stepping stone for her.

Sandra's training regimen is intense, lasting between 10 to 16 hours daily, depending on the day. She trains for three to four hours in the evening after school and lunch, with weekends reserved for chess. This rigorous routine includes playing practice games against chess engines and tactical puzzles to prepare for the Olympiad.

Balancing chess with school and family life requires discipline and planning. Sandra emphasizes that school and family come first, using evenins and weekends for chess training. Her family's unwavering support is crucial in helping her stay focused.

Winning the World Rapid Amateur Championship in Abuja was a surreal experience for Sandra. Initially, she was in disbelief, but quickly transformed into sheer joy and relief. She credited her resilience and her coach's advice to take one game at a time as key to overcoming the initial setbacks. This victory boosted her confidence and ambitions, shifting her mindset from being just a potential player to a competitor who can win at the world level.

Looking ahead, Sandra aims to become a Grandmaster and continues to represent Nigeria on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of hard work, resilience, and belief in oneself. Beyond chess, she aspires to become a medical doctor, inspiring young girls, especially in Nigeria, to pursue their dreams regardless of their starting point. Sandra firmly believes that with determination and dedication, one can achieve their dreams, blending her passion for chess with a desire to make a difference in medicine.