Chess Team
Eighth-grade student wins world chess championship
Nikhil Kumar '21 arrived back to campus a world champion in chess after pulling off a thrilling underdog victory at the Oct. 18-31 World Cadets Chess Championship in Batumi, Georgia (the country). Kumar finished first in a field of 137 students from 36 nations in the under-12 division despite being ranked 25th at the start of the tournament.
Kumar played 11 games, winning eight times and collecting three draws. He stunned world No. 1 Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of India, who at 10 became the youngest person ever to claim the title of chess International Master. Kumar also defeated Andrew Hong, the No. 1 ranked under-12 player in the United States, to clinch his surprising world championship with one game remaining.
"Becoming the world chess champion seemed like a dream just a few months ago but hard work made this dream become a reality," said Kumar, who brought home a gold medal and trophy. "When I was at the podium and the national anthem was played, I felt that I represented the country and Team USA well."
Kumar flew back to the United States on Halloween and returned to classes at the Middle School campus Nov. 1. Reporters from WPLG Channel 10, WSVN Channel 7 and WTVJ Channel 6 showed up to interview Kumar. Besides chess, he plays violin, enjoys tennis and participates in Mathcounts at Ransom Everglades.
"We were thrilled to hear of Nikhil’s success in the chess world championships,” Head of the Middle School Rachel Rodriguez said. “He is talented and hard-working, and has represented Ransom Everglades with class and dignity. We are proud to welcome him back to our campus today."
Students from eight countries – the United States, India, Germany, Colombia, Slovenia, Russia, Mongolia and Turkey – finished in the top 10 of Kumar's age division; he topped all of them.
"Becoming the world chess champion seemed like a dream just a few months ago but hard work made this dream become a reality," said Kumar, who brought home a gold medal and trophy. "When I was at the podium and the national anthem was played, I felt that I represented the country and Team USA well."
Kumar flew back to the United States on Halloween and returned to classes at the Middle School campus Nov. 1. Reporters from WPLG Channel 10, WSVN Channel 7 and WTVJ Channel 6 showed up to interview Kumar. Besides chess, he plays violin, enjoys tennis and participates in Mathcounts at Ransom Everglades.
"We were thrilled to hear of Nikhil’s success in the chess world championships,” Head of the Middle School Rachel Rodriguez said. “He is talented and hard-working, and has represented Ransom Everglades with class and dignity. We are proud to welcome him back to our campus today."
Students from eight countries – the United States, India, Germany, Colombia, Slovenia, Russia, Mongolia and Turkey – finished in the top 10 of Kumar's age division; he topped all of them.
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2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
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Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.