My Chess Ambitions Grew After World Title Win – Sandra Omoruyi

Photo Credit: PunchNG / Sandra Omoruyi
My Chess Ambitions Grew After World Title Win – Sandra Omoruyi
16-year-old Nigerian chess sensation, Sandra Omoruyi, says winning the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship has made her dream bigger.

In an interview with Ebenezer Bajela, Omoruyi said she is now targeting Grandmaster title norms and wants to help Nigeria shine at the Chess Olympiad.

Omoruyi, who comes from a chess-playing family, revealed that her dad was her first coach before her siblings taught her how to record moves. She currently trains under Coach Edward Eguavoe Evbuomwan (Coach Eddy), alongside coaches Ann, Marian, Ben, Illoba, Nosa and Segun.

She said her journey has not been easy. Distance, finances, and insecurity have stopped her from attending many tournaments as a minor. Her first major tournament was the National Chess Championship, which she described as scary but eye-opening.

On preparation, the young champion said she trains between 10 to 16 hours daily. On mild days she trains from 9am to 10pm with breaks, but on intense days, especially before the Olympiad, training stretches till 2am or 3am playing practice games against engines.

She balances this with school and family through planning and discipline, noting that school and family come first.

Speaking on her historic win in Abuja in August, Omoruyi said she prepared with Rapid and Blitz-specific tactical puzzles and practice games against Coach Eddy’s students, including his son Henry Evbuomwan, to master time pressure.

She had a rough start in the Blitz event, losing her first three games, but recovered after a pep talk from her coach to reset and take it one game at a time.

Describing the winning moment as surreal, she said she first looked up to thank God and thought of her family, coach and all Nigerians who believed in her. She felt proud to raise the Nigerian flag.

Omoruyi said the title changed how she sees herself – from “a player with potential” to a world-level competitor. Her short-term goal is to earn title norms, while long-term she wants to become a Grandmaster.

Beyond chess, she aspires to become a medical doctor and inspire more young girls to take up the sport, proving that no matter where you start, you can reach the top.
Source: PunchNG