At Premier Chess Academy (PCA), our vision is to transform kids into the world of chess & support them along the transition. Each and every kid at PCA deserves a special appreciation but we have shortlisted (selection criteria below) the students. Friendly advise, “for student’s those who didn’t make it through – you will make it one day and for those who are the stars of the month – continue the practice as your bar goes up”.
Here we go to recognize the stars of the month (April 2024) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Aagney Ansu
Aagney is an 8-year-old from Sacramento, CA in 3rd grade. He enjoys playing and learning chess. He loves building things with Legos and has participated in various FLL tournaments over the years. He likes playing soccer and is learning Kung Fu. He is a voracious reader and loves all Amar Chitra Kadha stories and has read most of them. Some of the other series that he loved and finished reading are Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Wings of Fire, The Thickety, Trouble at Table 5, Stick Dog, Stick Cat, Geronimo Stilton etc. Aagney initially started learning chess from his dad and got better by watching YouTube videos before joining PCA in Jan 2024. He started playing practice games and lichess games and tournaments after joining PCA and has improved his game a lot. He learned a lot of fundamentals and improved his strategy and speed from his regular lessons. He also does sessions on lichess and on YouTube to enhance his learnings. He loves his coach Omkar and enjoys his sessions and games with the coach and his classmates. We thank coach Omkar for his guidance and encouragement during lessons and games.
Coach feedback on Aagney:
Aagney is an enthusiastic young kid, He’s always interested in learning new topics, takes active participation in class discussions, he’s good at solving puzzles and enjoys playing games. He has shown very good improvement in his game.
Few games of Aagney:
https://lichess.org/8oQzxFIR/black
2. Aayaan Malviya
Aayaan Malviya, a 7-year-old 2nd grader from California, dreams of becoming a professional soccer player as his passion for soccer knows no bounds. His journey into the world of chess began when he received a chess set as a birthday gift at the age of 6. Since then, he has nurtured a keen interest in the game, fueled by his enrolment in PCA and guided by his teacher, Coach Kunal. Aayaan finds chess not only enjoyable but also intellectually stimulating, appreciating the strategic depth and the unique movements of each piece. Beyond chess, he cherishes moments with his family and friends, indulges in a myriad of activities including swimming, math’s, science, reading, creative writing, drawing, crafts, biking, cricket, Legos, puzzle-solving, and exploring mobile and video games. His zest for life extends to both indoor and outdoor games, as well as any pursuit that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.
Coach feedback on Aayaan:
Aayaan Malviya is an exceptional youngster who has a deep passion for chess and a relentless drive to improve his skills. With a heart as warm as his spirit is determined, he attentively absorbs the guidance of his coach and eagerly implements the strategies discussed in class. Aayaan finds great joy in participating in practice tournaments, where his consistent attendance and commendable performance showcase his dedication to the game. In the classroom, he consistently shines, investing maximum effort into puzzle-solving and engaging in lively discussions on various chess concepts. With such unwavering commitment, Aayaan’s future in the realm of chess looks promising, and if he maintains this level of dedication, he is poised to achieve remarkable success. Here’s to wishing him ALL THE BEST for his future endeavors in the world of chess!
Few games of Aayaan:
https://lichess.org/gCpYAdfZ/black
3. Ram Amit Patel
Meet Ram, a 13-year-old outdoor enthusiast with a knack for brilliance. Whether it’s conquering the soccer field or mastering math puzzles, he’s always up for a challenge. His love for adventure and intellect makes him a standout in any crowd.
Coach feedback on RAM:
Ram is a very enthusiastic kid. He loves to learn chess. I can see his improvement with his strong mindset. He follows the instructions and tries to implement them in games. I wish him a very bright future Ahead.
Few games of RAM:
https://lichess.org/PKwXaP0B/black
4. Yaan Rafeeq
Yaan is 10 years old and studying in 4th grade. His interest/passion in chess continues to ramp up since he joined the academy. Big thanks to coach Aniket for his teachings, constant guidance, and support. Apart from this, Yaan’s other hobbies include Piano and Card magic.
Coach feedback on Yaan:
Yaan is an exceptionally quick learner whose dedication and enthusiasm consistently set him apart. His commitment is evident as he actively engages in practice tournaments and consistently attends all classes. Among his peers, Yaan is known for his amicable nature, earning the admiration of all his chess mates. He diligently revises all the taught topics and excels in solving the puzzles assigned to him. As his coach, I am incredibly proud of his achievements and extend my heartfelt
Few games of Yaan:
https://lichess.org/s6GKTzOh/black#36
https://lichess.org/7KRAHREy#31
https://lichess.org/8U7UFXsk/black#60
5. Ansh Korde
Ansh is a 5-year, pre-KG student based out of Tampa, Florida. He developed interest in the game quite early on and joined the chess class on Feb 24. Ansh is a delightful and inquisitive young kid, always eager to learn and explore his moves. His dedication to chess is matched only by his love for the game and desire to win. He is always in front of the computer 15 mins before the class starts and never missed a class so far. Sunday tournaments are definitely a priority over his nap time. Besides playing chess, he loves playing cricket, pickle ball and air hockey. Kudo’s to Piyush Sir for the patience and passion to develop these young and amazing kids. Ansh always looks forward to the classes and practice sessions.
Coach feedback on Ansh:
Ansh is an enthusiastic, interactive and active kid. He is very excited during sessions and always tries his best. I was really impressed with his performance. Really happy to have a student Like Avyan wishing the kid all the best.
Few games of Ansh:
https://lichess.org/Hw9tlOpo/black
6. Ashwin Arun Prakash
“We are thrilled to introduce our son, Ashwin Arunprakash, a bright and energetic 7-year-old who has a passion for two things: chess and soccer! Ashwin’s love affair with chess began when he was just 5 years old, and it’s been amazing to watch him grow and develop his skills over the years. He spends hours studying chess strategies, practicing his moves, and competing in local tournaments. His dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring, and we are proud to see him excel in something he loves so much. But Ashwin’s talents don’t stop there! He’s also a natural athlete, and soccer is his other favorite pastime. He loves running around on the field, working with his teammates, and scoring goals. It’s wonderful to see him develop his physical skills, learn valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship, and make new friends who share his passion for the game. As parents, it’s incredible to see Ashwin’s confidence and self-esteem grow as he pursues his passions. He’s learning valuable life skills like discipline, hard work, and resilience, and we couldn’t be prouder of the person he’s becoming.Our dream for Ashwin is to see him continue to grow and excel in both chess and soccer, and to use his talents to make a positive impact in the world. We’re grateful for the support of his coaches, teachers, and friends, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our talented and enthusiastic son!”
Coach feedback on Ashwin:
Ashwin’s growth is all thanks to his discipline. He follows up on things, attends sessions regularly, and plays practice games all the time. He stays calm during games no matter what the result is. His patience and determination have really paid off. He’s a great kid who loves chess and is disciplined in life. I hope he does well in the future.
Few games of Ashwin:
https://lichess.org/uuo8UZyF/black
https://lichess.org/xybdzYdL/black
https://lichess.org/1KHBJK6M/black
7. Arnesh Saraswat
Arnesh, is a talented young achiever, is a remarkable individual. His passion for chess, focus, strategic thinking, and dedication to the game make him a formidable opponent on the chessboard. Beyond chess, he is an accomplished swimmer, having won numerous prizes in swimming competitions. Arnesh’s curiosity extends to mathematics, where he eagerly dives deep into problems, seeking clarity and solutions. His enthusiasm for learning and embracing challenges is truly inspiring. May Arnesh continue to maintain this unwavering spirit and achieve success in all his endeavors!!
Coach feedback on Arnesh:
Arnesh is a very hardworking and Confident kid . He tries to take part in all discussions held in the class and he has great potential to be a good chess player. He has been showing a lot of improvement in his game. My best wishes are with Arnesh and hope he will achieve all the heights in his life.
Few games of Arnesh:
https://lichess.org/hihmU8Pq/black
https://lichess.org/1l3TaDCT/black
8. Gerard Gomis Moure
Gerard is a 10-year-old boy from Houston, born in Barcelona, Spain. Gerard is challenge driven, which is why he’s drawn to mathematics and chess. Recently, he won first place in the Chess UIL competition for 4th grade in his School District. Apart from chess and math, Gerard also loves music, particularly playing the piano and singing, talents he inherited from his mother. Gerard’s big passion is basketball. He’s been playing since the age of 3 and now he competes for a selected team alongside some of his classmates. We extend our gratitude to Coach Arya for his unwavering support and encouragement, always pushing Gerard to excel.
Coach feedback on Gerard:
Gerard demonstrated tremendous potential on our first trial session! He has an innate understanding of strategy and an insatiable competitive drive. He commenced his tournament journey by winning the prestigious title of First Place in the Chess UIL championship for his grade. Gerard’s passion for ongoing self-improvement, combined with his steadfast commitment to practice and a general sporty spirit, has propelled his rapid climb. He is constantly looking for opportunities to compete against difficult opponents in both scholastic and open events. I send my most sincere wishes that Gerard’s future endeavors materialize in resounding triumphs.
Few games of Gerard
https://lichess.org/ficF7zxk/black
9. Havish
Havish is a 12-year-old boy, doing 6th grade. Havish started his chess career promisingly, and later his interest kind of went down. Now, with his coach’s support, he started playing well. His coach Rakesh is very instrumental in his chess career and the kind of support he is getting is very awesome. His immediate goal in his chess career is to boost his USCF rating to 1200 soon. Havish is also a tennis player. Besides chess and tennis, Havish is learning Piano and likes swimming and reading books.
Coach feedback on Havish:
“Havish is a young talented, hardworking and very enthusiastic kid who pursues to continuously keep on improving himself. He too has a very excellent learning ability, which enables him to grasp new concepts and ideas very quickly. He always gets actively involved in the class activities with full focus. He too shows great enthusiasm toward chess and mostly loves learning in classes . Havish parents are also very supportive toward his chess journey. I am very much happy toward his improvement. I too wish him more success toward chess and in real life.”
Few games of Havish:
https://lichess.org/XBC0ookj#75
https://lichess.org/Rkt1ngxB/black#71
https://lichess.org/uIoDXvA0#105
10. Jaivardhan Singh
Jaivardhan is humble, friendly, and a wonderful teammate who is passionate about playing football. He loves reading books on world history. His academic excellence brings pride to his family and school. PCA has helped to build his cognitive domain by learning to play chess. His skills in chess have improved tremendously under the guidance of excellent mentors from PCA. Jai ‘s journey has just begun and has a long way to go…
Coach feedback on Jaivardhan:
Jaivardhan is a fantastic player and a sincere student. I find that he grasps lessons very well and also tries to apply frequently which is good to increase his skills. He will soon achieve many more fleets and I can see a champion in him. All the best for the future.
Few games of Jaivardhan:
https://lichess.org/zmW0k0hw/black
11. Kartik Masurkar
Kartik is going to celebrate his 7th birthday next month. He is a Californian base 1st grader, who loves chess and outdoor games including cricket, basketball, kickball, and volleyball. He enjoys word puzzles and building Lego structures. He also loves swimming and traveling. He is interested in cooking and always initiates to help in the kitchen. He is passionate about cars and bikes and recognizes all the car brands. He is a very easygoing and understanding kid. We introduced chess to Kartik just as one of the summer activities about 9 months back and then he developed a keen interest in it. After a few months, we got to know about the PCA. I must say we are so lucky to have the Harshraj sir as a coach. He always personally pays attention and motivates kids and makes the class interesting. Kartik always looking forward to the class. Thank you, so much Harsh sir!!!
Coach feedback on Kartik:
Kartik is a very Enthusiastic and confident kid. If he makes any mistakes he will try to correct them next time. He has improved a lot in recent months and all credit goes to the practice and concentration that he shows in class. Going forward If his dedication is the same he is going to achieve big. I wish him all the success and good wishes for his bright future.
Few games of Kartik:
https://lichess.org/0bylmkH4/black
https://lichess.org/ituc9dbV/black
https://lichess.org/J3aH6bmn/black
12.Krishna Samhitha
Krishna Samhitha’s chess prowess is remarkable. She is 10 years old and studies 4th Grade at McSpadden Elementary School, Frisco, TX. Her passion for the game shines through her strategic maneuvers and deep understanding of tactics. Her dedication to mastering the game is evident in her study and practice. Playing chess has really improved her analytical skills. Krishna Samhitha’s interests extend beyond the chessboard, showcasing her multifaceted talents and passions. In the realm of art, she finds solace and expression through Mandala art, where patterns and vibrant colors that reflect her inner creativity. Additionally, her love for Carnatic music demonstrates her appreciation for tradition and culture. Also, she loves playing with Lego toys. We thank PCA and Coach Mr. Hemanth Kumar Mandala for all the support and helpful guidance.
Coach feedback on Krishna:
samhitha is an enthusiastic, interactive and active kid. she is very logical in puzzle solving sessions and always calm & tries her best. I was really impressed with her performance. Really happy to have a student Like samhitha wishing the kid all the best.
Few games of Krishna:
https://lichess.org/dWepWqvY/black
https://lichess.org/Bdp78cXr/black
13.Rushil
Rushil is a happy, energetic 6-year-old kindergarten (KG) student and absolutely loves chess. He started playing chess around a year ago and it just grew on him right from the get-go. Apart from chess, he loves playing soccer, Floor Hockey, and is currently an orange belt in Taekwondo. Some of his role models are Messi, Kohli, Magnus etc. In leisure he loves to read a lot of books, follows IPL, loves to play tag, and is currently following the FIDE Candidates 2024 games very very closely. Rushil is in great hands with the Premier Chess Academy and coach Venkat Ramana R who is excellent, patient and impactful in his game improvement.
Coach feedback on Rushil:
Rushil is an enthusiastic, interactive, and active kid. He has shown good signs of improvement in his gameplay in the last few months. He participates regularly in the practice sessions and weekly tournaments. He learns everything with dedication. He is doing great, and I hope will do great in the future. I wish him all the success and good wishes for his bright future.
Few games of Rushil:
https://lichess.org/0NG2FnKG/white
https://lichess.org/pTpVDSed/black
https://lichess.org/pvENIfNg/black
14. Srinika Dhanasekar
Srinika Dhanasekar is a 10-year-old 5th grader who lives in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Her hobbies are reading books, writing stories, swimming, art, and playing outside with her friends. Her artwork was selected for the front page of the school yearbook. She got interested in chess when she saw her uncle’s playing with her daughter. She started learning chess almost a year ago. She attends all the practice sessions and participates in online competitions. We really appreciate her coach, Mr. Piyush Snehi, who motivated her to the chess world. We’ve noticed some positives in the srinika thinking process after her chess class with premier chess academy. She’s become more confident in her gameplay, and she’s always eager to share what she’s learned with us at home. We will take this opportunity to thank Piyush for the changes he brought to srinika.
Coach feedback on Srinika:
Srinika is an intuitive learner and approaches the game through an adaptive playing style. She appears well rested and takes time while playing. She has a good grip on the opening basics and the fundamentals of the game and has an eye for tactical recognition. I wish her very good luck in his Chess Career…!!
Few games of Srinika:
https://lichess.org/ymZo7hXl/black
https://lichess.org/8i9G7XpU/black
15. Srinika Vella
Hi, my name is Srinika Vella. I am 12 years old, and I live in North Carolina. When I grow up, I want to be a chess Grandmaster and Doctor. I work hard to get better at chess and find chess tournaments really fun and exciting. Playing chess calms my mind. Other than my passion for chess, I enjoy drawing, video games, and making new friends. I also enjoy playing chess with my dad. Besides chess, I also love Math and Science.
Parents: We thank her coach Karan who always encourage my daughter and motivates her to learn new techniques in the chess.
Coach feedback on Srinika:
Srinika is playing chess at a higher level than she is. Day by day, she is winning practice sessions. She is also extremely attentive and is always the first to respond in class. Her love for the game, as well as her grasp of it, is making her a better player every day. I wish her very good luck for her Chess Career…!!
Few games of Srinika:
https://lichess.org/49hoaM28/black
https://lichess.org/uJJ6UTQS/black
16.Anish Sagar
Anish Sagar’s exceptional talent in the world of chess is truly remarkable. His dedication to the game is unparalleled, finding relaxation and joy in every move. Anish looks forward to his chess classes, where Coach Utkarsh motivates him to excel further. Beyond the chessboard, Anish is a 3rd grader and a student black belt in taekwondo, showcasing his discipline and determination. He’s also passionate about basketball and cherishes spending time with his brother and friends. Anish’s diverse interests, including his love for playing the guitar, being a Pokémon fan, and outstanding skills make him a true standout in the chess community.
Coach feedback on Anish:
Anish is a brilliant kid. He is very hardworking and never misses any of his classes. At such a young age his attitude towards learning new things is just commendable. He is doing very well and is a quick learner. The way he solves the puzzles and gives quick answers that are superb. This is just the beginning and at this point, such type of quality, responding to puzzles and various aspects shows that he will do much better in the future. I feel privileged to have Anish as my student. My best wishes are with him for success in his near future.
Few games of Anish:
https://lichess.org/8iyM89Tn/black
17. Sree Lalitha Pendyala
Sree Lalitha is 11 years old studying 5th grade in Waynesville elementary. Lalitha is enjoying learning chess and different techniques involved in it , and can see her confidence while playing chess. Want to thank the coach for constant guidance and help.
Coach feedback on Sree Lalitha:
Sree is one of the strongest chess players of the batch . She is doing very well in class and also in chess tournaments. I am very happy with her chess performance. Her class attendance is 100% and she never misses chess class. She likes to solve advanced tactics. I wish sree all the very best for all success in future. Keep it up dear sree.
Few games of Sree Lalitha:
https://lichess.org/YVbbzhX5/black
18. Sri Lalitesh Inampudi
Sri Lalitesh is studying 9th grade in Tennessee. He started learning chess when he was in 3rd grade online. After 2 years we came to know about premier chess academy, we enrolled him. It helped him to improve his skills. He enjoys playing chess, he always participates in chess events. He enjoys Coach Sarthak Dutta sessions.
Coach feedback on Sri Lalitesh:
Sri Lalitesh is a patient kid who grasps all the topics covered in the class with full dedication. He enjoys chess, attends practice sessions regularly. He is improving day by day and with this consistency one day he will surely become a good player. I wish him a great and successful future ahead…!!
Few games of Sri Lalitesh:
https://lichess.org/RL7Hws7D/black#38
https://lichess.org/bxqjK3lT#46
https://lichess.org/HZC5LsCt/black#150
19. Sanidhya Maheshwari
Sanidhya is a 1st grade student based in Redmond, Washington. He is known for his polite, kind and caring nature. He’s very observant and always curious to learn new things. His interests include conducting science experiments, playing basketball, badminton and chess. His passion for chess was sparked during playdates and we have seen his enthusiasm grow with each game as he skilfully applies logical thinking and strategy. He is fond of his chess coach, Priyanka Sharma and enjoys playing online chess with his friends Krishna and Krishnav.
Coach feedback on Sanidhya:
Sanidhya is an intelligent kid who always plays with great focus and concentration. He loves playing with his classmates and even regularly joins practice session and tournaments .he is very competitive and enjoys games like a chess lover .His classroom performance is worth appreciating …Going forward If his dedication remains same, he would definitely achieve great success in his future endeavors .Wishing Sanidhya ALL THE BEST for his future.
Few games of Sanidhya:
https://lichess.org/Xe8F9McQ/black
https://lichess.org/bvrzZXdU/black
https://lichess.org/zpkWFClx/black
20. SVANIK NAIK
Svanik is 9 years old and studying in 3rd grade. He is a kind and friendly boy who likes to read and draw. He was always interested in learning chess and PCA was that platform for him to start Learning chess. Thank you to Ms. Harshita who guided him throughout his journey and now he loves playing chess.
Coach feedback on SVANIK:
Svanik is doing so good in the game as well as puzzles. When he started chess, he was so scared about each and every move but now he is so much confident in the game. He do regular practice on game as well as game analysis.He listens to everything that is being taught in the class. He has improved a lot during the time period. The way he deals with tactical situations is quite good. I hope he will be doing great in upcoming times. I really want to see his progress in the upcoming chess tournaments, and I wish him all the very best for his bright future…!
Few games of SVANIK:
https://lichess.org/iIvOcmJR/black
21. Viransh Chawla
Viransh, a vivacious 7-year-old, thrives on forming new bonds and relishing the world of sports. His affinity for chess knows no bounds; whether in class or through online tutorials, he eagerly absorbs new strategies. He is also a dedicated member of the swim team and has amassed an impressive collection of medals in championship meets. His kindness has earned him accolades from both principal and teachers. Amidst his passion for sports, books remain his constant companion, offering solace and endless fascination. With dreams of becoming a Grandmaster one day, he acknowledges the invaluable support of PCA and Coach Narendiren, whose guidance and honest feedback have been instrumental in his chess journey.
Coach feedback on Viransh:
Viransh is an excellent chess player with a high level of interest & curiosity. Given any topic like puzzles, tactics, or game analysis – he always comes up with different combinations. He never hesitates to ask me questions, which will be a huge asset in the calculation part in the upcoming levels. I wish him all the very best for his upcoming achievements.
Few games of Viransh:
https://lichess.org/1v7XBEgg/black
https://lichess.org/L6Z1ZZrt/white
https://lichess.org/lYdJRLZV/black
22.Yathirajan Musaravakkam Samaram
Yathirajan recently celebrated his 11th birthday and is in 4th grade and lives in Texas. We realized he was very good at photographic memory. We thought he would do well in Chess and we were right. He’s eating chess for breakfast nowadays and we know he is in good hands with PCA and specifically with Ayush Pattanaik. When he’s not playing chess, he dribbles with soccer, badminton and his bmx bike. Ayush has great qualities of friendliness, understanding and tolerance with all the kids. I am very confident Ayush would take Yathirajan and all other kids to very high levels in chess.
Coach feedback on Yathirajan:
Yathirajan stands out as an exceptionally passionate and enthusiastic young kid, consistently demonstrating an eagerness to learn and embrace new tactics and strategies. He learns everything with dedication, and he can grasp things very quickly and easily. His progress has been very fast with consistency. He is always trying to compete against each other, and in other tournaments. His adherence to instructions and effective implementation of these in the game is a testament to his learning capability. I have no doubt that Yathirajan’s future is bright and filled with remarkable achievements.
Few games of Yathirajan:
https://lichess.org/0tn7Sv7h#0
https://lichess.org/YAGqSAMH/black#46
https://lichess.org/eP09bkAO/black#2
Selection Criteria –APRIL 2024:
- Regular in class and practice sessions.
- Displaying improvement in practices to reach top 3 positions.
- Puzzle solving and tactics findings in regular class.
- Generate quest in chess and regular in assignments.
- Overall – Passion is evident in class, practices, puzzle solving etc.
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