Jamie moves to play world’s best

By Shaun Inguanzo
JAMIE Kenmure will be flying the Aussie flag as he attempts to outsmart the best chess players in the Commonwealth at a championship in India next month.
The 20-year-old Dandenong North man is a member of the Noble Park Chess Club, and this year the Australian Chess Federation selected him to represent the nation in the under-20 category at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Delhi, India, in December.
Up for grabs will be a US$20,000 first prize – but the shrewd chess player will have to checkmate his way past some of the world’s best players in order to claim the money.
Mr Kenmure said he was ecstatic to have been chosen, and although he considered himself an underdog, he felt it was anyone’s tournament to win.
“I’ll be one of lowest-ranked in the tournament, but I think I will do well,” he said.
“Let’s just say I could be a very quiet achiever in this tournament.”
The competition begins on 2 December and finishes on 10 December, and Mr Kenmure’s airfare has been covered by a private sponsor.
The accommodation will be part of his selection package, meaning he can kick back and focus on the major prize.
“I feel elated and excited and very enthusiastic as well,” Mr Kenmure said.
“The skill level the tournament is played at is a very high standard.
“I will be playing against leading players from around the world.
“It’s also more than likely I will be meeting the world number one.”
That player, Viswanathan Anand, may not be playing, but is likely to inspire the crowd of chess enthusiasts to be their best as he provides move-by-move commentary, Mr Kenmure said.
Mr Kenmure hopes to extend his overseas chess career to Asia by qualifying for the Asian Junior Championships later in December.